Daily Devotion: Be Like Mary

Scripture:
Luke 10: 38-42

Main Verse:
Luke: 10: 41-42: "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Observation:
Martha is your typical busy person. I can understand why she was so anxious about all the preparations. First, the visitor is Jesus, their Great Teacher so she must have really wanted to please the Lord. Second, the Lord came together with some disciples. The first verse of chapter 10 tells us that Jesus appointed 70 others who will continue His work here on earth. In verse 38, it says Jesus came with "them" so we can imply that Jesus was with the disciples when they entered the village where Martha and Mary lived.

Mary on the other hand started to sit at the Lord's feet and listen to His Word. Perhaps Mary wanted to savor this moment with the Lord. After all, it is a rare opportunity to be visited by their Great Teacher and she probably thought she may never have this chance again to meet the Lord face to face. I can imagine how Mary looked as she listened to the Lord. She probably looked ecstatic and so enthusiastic as she sat listening to the Lord's preaching.

Martha's way of pleasing the Lord is not wrong. She also had the desire to show to the Lord how important He is for her. But the Lord rebuked her and told her that what is even more important is to listen to the Word and "be" with the Lord, just like what Mary did.

Application:
Do we like going to church? What is our main purpose when we go to church? When we attend church, do we go because it is a responsibility, something we ought to do because it is commanded to us? Or, do we go to church because we want to be with the Lord and listen to His Word? Do we attend church because we just want to fulfill the Lord's commandment, or do we go because we want to be filled with the Lord's presence? Let us always show to the Lord that when we go to church, we are there to meet Him and enjoy His Holy presence and feed our spirit with His Word.

Prayer:
Lord, may I be like Mary at all times, always wanting to sit at your feet and listen to your Word. Thank you for teaching me and showing me how I can develop my relationship with you. I desire to always feel your presence, my God. AMEN.