1 Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived at Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead.

2 Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him.

 

Actions can often be misunderstood.  People don't always know what is in our hearts, but there are situations that occur that do reveal the heart.

 

Ruby Seaman told of the day when a little neighbor boy knocked on her door and enthusiastically invited her to join him and his classmate for a marshmallow roast. She declined, although her heart soared with pleasure to think they had wanted her company. The little friend hesitated a moment and then got to the point; "Well do you have any marshmallows?"

   

There are times when our intentions get in the way of our actions. They reveal what's really going on. God always sees not just our actions, but the thoughts and attitudes a well. What is the condition of our heart this morning?  What is it that the Lord sees?  This passage can be used as a reminder of the importance of self-examination as to how we might respond to Jesus.

   

Mary and Martha certainly were testifying the love that they had for Jesus.  Martha is depicted in the Bible as the one who serves; Mary as the one who worships.  Both are different expressions of love and I do not believe one is exclusive of the other.  We need to worship and we need to work. Martha showed her love by serving her Lord and guests. Mary showed her love by outward adoration and personal sacrifice from the heart of devotion, which the Lord knew.

   

Cecily Hallack captures the prayer of Martha when she wrote in the Divine Office of the Kitchen,

 

         

Lord of all pots and pans and things
Since I’ve not time to be
A saint by doing lovely things or
Watching late with Thee
Or dreaming in the dawn light or
Storming Heaven’s gates
Make me a saint by getting meals and
Washing up the plates.

 

  Although I must have Martha’s hands,
  I have a Mary mind
  And when I black the boots and shoes,

Thy sandals Lord I find.

I think of how they trod the earth,

What time I scrub the floor

Accept this meditation Lord,

I haven’t time for more.

 

Warm all the kitchen with Thy love,

And light it with Thy peace

Forgive me all my worrying and make

My grumbling cease.

Thou who didst love to give men food,

In room or by the sea

Accept this service that I do,

I do it unto Thee.

 

God not only sees what we do, but our heart as well.  What He sees in Martha is love. This love is shown in responding to Jesus by serving Him and His disciples and friends.

     

How might you serve Jesus today? Which of His friends might you receive in love for Him?

 

 Dale