Sunday, December 28, 2008

Distracted By Good

Luke 10:38-42

As Christians, we have many responsibilities that are proper.... As parents, spouses, or children – (see 1 Ti 5:8; Co 3:18-21). As employees, or employers – (see Co 3:22-4:1). Yet sometimes what is good can get in the way of what is better when we fail to properly prioritize our activities, allowing ourselves to be distracted by what is good, missing out on what is better.

A good illustration of this is seen in the story of Martha and Mary, two sisters who along with their brother Lazarus were loved by Jesus (see Jn 11:5). Turning to our text (Lk 10:38-42), let’s examine the example of Martha and Mary. Martha was distracted. She had invited Jesus to her house - Lk 10:38 “Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house.” That it was her house leads most to think she was the eldest, head of the household. Her hospitality is certainly commendable, a noble trait - Isa 58:7 “Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?”; He 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” She became distracted by much serving - Lk 10:40 “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."’ The Son of God, the Messiah, had come to her house - what an honor! There were likely others beside Jesus: His disciples, her family, neighbors. She naturally wanted her sister Mary to help - Lk 10:40. She began to worry and be troubled by many things - Lk 10:41 “But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things,” These were not things that were wrong in of themselves, but they took priority when they should not have. These things caused anxiety of mind and distress of spirit! -- Martha allowed that which is good to get in the way of that which is better!

Mary was disciplined. She sat at Jesus feet and heard His word - Lk 10:39 “And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching.” Sitting at His feet was the ancient posture of disciples or learners - Ac 22:3 ‘"I am a Jew, born in Tarsus in Cilicia, but brought up in this city, educated at the feet of Gamaliel according to the strict manner of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God as all of you are this day.” It indicates she was His disciple, she wanted to learn from Him. She was more concerned about being a good disciple, than a good hostess. She chose the one thing needed - Lk 10:42 “but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."’ In the end, there is one thing that is really necessary. That would be seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness - Mt 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”; 1 Ti 4:7b-8 “Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.” She chose that which had eternal consequence - Lk 10:42 “but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her."’ She chose “that good part, which will not be taken away from her” for Jesus offered blessings that would last - Jn 4:14 “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.”; 5:24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.”; 10:27-28 “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.” Of which even her sister Martha was aware - Jn 11:21-27 “Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever you ask from God, God will give you." Jesus said to her, "Your brother will rise again." Martha said to him, "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day." Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" She said to him, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."’ -- Mary had the discipline to seek first things first, putting the better before the good! From the example of Martha and Mary, what lesson can be drawn and applied to our lives...? When we continue this lesson in a second part, we draw some lessons from their example for our personal lives.