Luke 10:38-42
The story of Mary and Martha is one of my favorites in Scripture. I relate to Martha more than I’d like to admit. She strives to please the Lord and those around her through her works. She completely misses the value of simply resting in the Lord’s spirit as I’m sure many of us forget to do. She is so concerned with impressing Jesus–that He may affirm her works and shower her with praise. I fill my days with “good tasks,” rushing for them to be checked off to be seen as disciplined and successful–that the Lord and those around me would be proud of my work.
We wonder why we’re an anxious generation–this is it. Pursuing the things of this world–filling our hearts, and our minds with distractions, constantly striving to impress, to be seen, to meet the expectations of the world and ourselves. We equate worth with productivity. In the process we miss the invitation to rest in the Lord’s presence. His yoke is easy and His burden is light. Surrender your desire for control.
Like Martha, I regrettably miss the sheer gift and glory of resting in His presence–of surrendering the worldly tasks that I deem worthy. How often do I forget that the Lord isn’t looking for perfection in our productivity, but that He merely longs for our hearts, our souls, to find worthiness in Him alone.
I encourage you, that in the chaos of life, that you would be like Mary–quiet and still--eager to listen to Jesus and sit at His feet. Choose the good portion.
Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to His teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to Him and said, “Lord, so you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken from her.”
English Standard Version
Free Verse Poem From the Perspective of Martha:
My voice erupted with joy,
welcoming the Great Teacher,
the Lord, into our home.
A pot of tea on the stove,
notes of citrus and spice wafting through the stifling air—
infiltrating the crevices of stone.
I smiled as He inhaled the fragrance,
Mary sat before His feet,
demonstrating perfect patience.
Brows furrowed, I wondered—
how could my sister forget to help?
Did she not understand the importance
of joining the Lord in communion?
How dare she?
How dare she sit, so peacefully,
in the presence of our Lord?
My heart pounded,
astonished and perplexed—
she rests so willingly,
when we were meant to give our guest
warmth and love once professed.
Oh, how I’m sure He will notice me—
my hard work will not go unseen.
He will discern my diligence,
reward my efforts,
as He beholds
my face, painted with soot.
“Lord, my sister has left me to serve alone—
tell her to help me,”
I pleaded, my words sharp,
with a smirk upon my face.
Justice must be served,
and surely, grace would have no place.
His eyes softened,
His lips lay firm.
Martha,
your anxious heart will not draw you nearer to me.
A good portion is to kneel at my feet,
allowing your soul to be set free.
My dear Martha,
you are in the presence of a King.
Permit your heart to sing,
just as Mary has done.
For she has recognized her position—
humble and lowly—
this, you shall not outrun.
The Sojourner 
Leave a comment