July 22

Luke 10:38-42 (Click to see scripture)

Bible in One Year Passages:

Journal Entry

Scripture

38 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. 40 But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, 42 but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”

Observation

What a classic contrast of two sisters. Jesus said that Mary has chosen the good portion. So then, what is the good portion? He said that it is something which will not be taken away. This means that Martha has chosen the bad portion; something which will be taken away. So then what was so bad about what Martha did? After all, she was trying to be a good host, right? To me, this is once again the heart issue. It is not that what Martha did was bad. Rather, it is what Mary did was better. Because what Mary received and heard from Jesus is not something anyone can take away from her.

Application

The life decisions are not always black and white. Sometimes it is about choosing between gray and darker gray, and sometimes it is about choosing between antique white and white. Today’s story is teaching us one guideline which we can use to make this choice. No one can blame someone who is whole heartedly serving the Lord; however, if this is done at the expense of spending time listening to the Lord , then perhaps we should re-examine our priority, a.k.a. our heart. Samuel told king Saul that it is better to obey than to give a sacrifice.

Prayer

Dear Lord,
Sometimes in my Christian walk, I am so busy doing and I neglect the listening. Will you grant me a listening heart today?
Grant me ears to listen.

--Joey