"Lord, do You not care?" - Part 2

 Now it happened as they went that JESUS entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”  And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.  But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.”   Luke 10:38-42 (NKJV)


Are you in a situation similar to Martha's? You have lovingly welcomed JESUS into your life and into your house. You want to do your best in serving Him.

 JESUS probably walked in a little earlier than she expected, not giving her adequate time to finish all that she had planned. Martha felt compelled to continue with her work while JESUS sat there. Time was catching on and the stress was building up within her. Her mind was upset and the food was spilling and splattering, messing up the kitchen. The watch-pot wasn't boiling either! Martha's thoughts turned to her pathetic and helpless situation. "If only I had someone to help me to set the food out for JESUS. My sister HAS to help me serve JESUS, without just sitting there! ...And....JESUS...!! Surely, He should understand my plight!!"

Although the stressed Martha couldn't see it, JESUS was very conscious of the situation Martha was in and His gracious mentions of her name "Martha, Martha" showed that He cared much. He also knew the cause of her problem and had the solution. Mary refused to be distracted by her sister. JESUS commends Mary for choosing the better portion. We always have more to receive from the Lord than we could ever give Him. Unless we receive from Him, we cannot give to Him or others. When we try to give more than we receive from Him, we bring out unpleasant, selfish sediments!

Are you worried and troubled about many things, even if it concerns your service for the Lord? What are the things that you do FOR the Lord that keep you from sitting at His feet and make you stressed? Do you feel upset and angry with someone who isn't helping you with some task? Does it  makes you feel that even JESUS doesn't care?

Later, on another occasion, JESUS again visits this family in Bethany.
There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.   John 12:2-3 (NKJV)

Martha has taken the Lord's counsel to heart. She has quit being 'Distracted with Much Serving,' and is simply serving. Not only had JESUS brought dead Lazarus to life, but with His gracious words changed Martha's ministry from dead works to joyous service. Mary, by sitting at the feet of JESUS and hearing His word, learnt how to serve the Lord in ways that please Him. She is also free from the condemning attitude of a stressed sister! The atmosphere of worship is present and Mary freely worships. The room is filled with fragrance! The attitude of one person can affect the atmosphere in the home.

We should check our motives and attitudes even while serving the Lord. We should refrain from doing unnecessary 'extras' that bring stress upon ourselves and others.
Why am I doing this?
   Is it to please myself, others or the Lord?
      Am I doing this to justify myself or because I love JESUS?
        What does the Lord require of me?
          Am I carrying an attitude of humility and love for others?
             Am I imposing on others what I think is service for the Lord?
                Is my attitude hindering or facilitating an atmosphere of worship of the Lord JESUS?


JESUS says,  "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”   Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV)