IN DEFENSE OF MARTHAS

         Quite often I get ahead of myself and forget that some of my readers are young in the Lord. Many know what I am talking about, but is isn’t quite fair to leave the young ones hanging.
         They may be saying, “Yeah. Well, who are Martha and Mary? Is she talking about the mother of Jesus or someone else?”
         Forgive me. You can find their story in Luke 10:38-41.
         In the study guide of my Bible, it says that Martha is remembered for her impatience and excessive concern for mundane matters, whereas Mary is remembered for her spiritual desire and discernment.

IN DEFENSE OF MARTHA

         I must confess how much I really appreciate Marthas. I’m so glad that God created them for His special purpose to further His Kingdom.
         When I enter a Martha’s home, it is not only neat, order, but also clean and beautiful. It blesses and refreshes my spirit for the higher life style I believe any child of God longs for. It is an example of cleanness on the outside.
         In a Martha’s home, you will always be offered a meal or a drink…or a place to sleep, if needed.
         They are so decent and in order. When Marthas also nurture their Mary side, they are surely used by God, every step of their journey.
         I do believe that we, just as churches, have both a Martha and a Mary side. These two sisters are both highly loved and understood by God, their Father, Who created them both for His service.
         Sometimes we meet some one who appears to be a Pure Martha or someone who seems to be much more a Mary than a Martha. We too, may label the Marys as lazy and resent them for not helping us if we are a strong Martha.
         Often the seasons of our lives affect a change in us from a Martha to a Mary. Or from a Mary to a Martha. Trials, circumstances, needs as we travel the roads of life, will draw us ever closer to our Lord.
         The main thing is, do we hear Him directing us individually?
         When He says to Martha, “Go ye into all the world and preach my Gospel,” Martha’s heart is totally dedicated to that.
         When He says to Mary, “Stay and Pray”, she desires to do that, too.

NEEDFUL?

 This is the way…walk here. (Isaiah 30:21).  

         Then why did Jesus say, “But one thing is NEEDFUL”? What was Mary doing that was so NEEDFUL? What was Martha doing that was not as needful? What was the “good part” that Mary had chosen? What would not be taken away from her? (Matthew 24:35).
         I would like for you to answer these questions for yourself. From my own experience, I know that I was definitely a strong Martha; always cooking up some new plan of action to serve the Lord. When I read His Word that said “Go”, and “Go Ye”, I was on fire to “Go”…anywhere and everywhere that I could think of. And I believe God used that…but I was always nervous, pushing beyond my own limits; never totally sure where I was going…just sounded like some good plans. Thank Goodness, God knew where I was going…and that I would eventually come to the end of myself.
         But it doesn’t have to be like this. I believe the good part that Jesus called needful involved getting directions first. We will find direction when we read the Bible. As we read His Word, it enters first through our eyes, then drops down into our heart. Later, the Holy Spirit will bring it to our remembrance as a way of guiding us and showing us His plans. 
         As a Martha, I had great zeal and great works, and great desire to serve Jesus, but I seldom knew HOW. Now, through His Word and revelation of His Word by the Holy Spirit, if I will sit at His feet…for as long as it takes (not always a long time), He will show me where to go and what to do and I won’t always be wondering. (Gal. 5:16 TLB).
         Sometimes I see Jesus (in my mind) sitting at the back of a church with his arms folded; just leaning back with an indulgent smile on His face...which to me says He is thinking, “I wonder when My people will ASK Me what I want?”
         In time, surely we all will…because everyone eventually runs out of answers and we have to go to the only One who is the ANSWER. Praise God!
         When it’s His plan…Marys and Marthas travel the same path, side by side. They each have something very important to share with the Body of Christ.
         So, Marthas…we love you and thank you for all the lovely things you have done for our Lord. You are very important. You set your Table of Excellence as an example for all the Marys in the world. Whether we feel like a Mary or a Martha on any given day, may we all remember to do what is Needful before we do anything else.

           

(Men can be Marthas too, and it’s not all about cooking)