During my teenage years (ions ago so it seems), when I'd "do stuff" for others, my Momma would remark, "You're just a 'Martha'." It really did not matter whether I was making a gift (my favorite past time then and now), preparing a treat, watching "older' young couples' kids, etc., if it conflicted with what she thought I should be doing or if I continued excessively (I called it being 'passionate" or "being on a mission)", I was labeled Martha.
Many of the activities I participated in were not inherently wrong; Momma will tell you today that I was an easy child/teenager and nearly always obedient. (I was just scared straight to do anything wrong because that "all-seeing EYE" was watching me.) I was raised in a family that preached the Truth - Great Grandpa Josiah (his real name) was a Gospel preacher until his death at age 84 - I was eight when he was called home. He instilled his faith in my grandmother and my mother and all of us kids.
Over five decades, I have listened to many sermons on 'Mary's wise choice' and had come to the conclusion that my Momma, however right she may have been, meant the label not as a compliment but as an impetus to 'be at church' as often as the doors were opened for worship. You see, my Momma was and IS the most godly womand I know! Although Momma has never to my recollection hurt another intentionally with insults or disparaging remarks about their character flaws, her Martha label used to cut deep into my psyche. Her tone of voice - not hateful or angry - left no doubt that she wanted me to do something other than what I was caught up in doing or go some place she felt was more appropriate/convenient to achieve her goals. I would feel a lump in my throat and chest pain whenever Bible study was centered around Martha - even if the group I was studying with was not privy to my Momma's label of me about my 'missionary goals" for myself.
Until tonight...
In Luke 10, we learn first about Martha (and Mary's wise choice) in the following passage:
39And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: 42But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
"It's true that Mary made a good choice as my SAVIOR has clearly stated it," I used to argue, "But it was Martha who first received Jesus into their Bethany home."
"And she tended to my Elder BROTHER's physical needs," I'd follow up with hoping to scout out a thread of encouragement for being so labeled as Martha. "Jesus has said that if we care for others' physical needs in the slightest of ways, we are HIS siblings. (Matthew 25:35-46)
Our focus tonight was John 11 - the beloved disciple's words about Jesus raising Lazarus the brother of Martha from death in order to glorify GOD. Lazarus falls gravely ill and who sends for Jesus - Martha. (verses 1-3: added anecdotal reference is made to Mary having washed Jesus' feet which seems to me to be an 'earthly' activity done for HIS comfort as well as to worship HIM). Verse five refers to Jesus' love for the Bethany citizens - who does John the beloved list first - Martha (coincidental as she may have been the oldest or she owned the home - I think not!) Who ran to greet Jesus when she heard that HE was nigh unto Bethany - Martha (she was just perpetuating her interest in worldly comforts and being hospitable, you'd better think again...verse 20...oh and what does John record that Mary is doing?) Who makes a statement of Jesus' powers to heal the sick - both Mary (verses 32-33) and Martha (verses 21-22). However it is Martha who further expounds on her belief in the resurrection (verse 24) and then openly and profoundly expresses her faith in our LORD with the following words,
"27She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world. "
(Can anyone find me a reference to Mary's public confession of Jesus' suthority and status?)
And finally, who is it that Jesus promises that she should see the glory of GOD immediately - Martha!!!
" 39Jesus said, Take ye away the stone. Martha, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
40Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God?"
If I am a Martha, I know that one day, I shall see the glory of GOD - and that will be enough for this feeble finite soul. I DO believe that Jesus Christ has come, is risen -resurrected from the gates of death, has ascended to GOD's right hand and mediates for me. HE IS THE SON OF GOD. Mary may have made a right choice but I believe Martha did too, and practiced good choices while proclaiming her SAVIOR to others as she physically ministered to their needs. And NO ONE can take that away from her. (This reference is specifically about Mary, but now it applies to Martha as well - Luke 10: 42 "But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.")
Yes, Momma, I am a Martha - and like yourself, I hope to attend in my small way to others until I see the glory of GOD coming from on high!
Labels: Pearls |
