Martha, Martha, Martha

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

The din in the congregation hall began to increase as the people within it stood and started to mingle. We'd just finished one of my favorite hymns, Just As I Am, at the end of Sunday Worship and my heart swelled with the warm, satisfied comfort that comes from having just been spiritually fed.

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In my hand I clutched a purple envelope and began to scan the crowd for a dear friend - so I could give her a birthday card. Before I could get to the other side of the sanctuary and head out the doors, however, my friend vanished through them and I was hard-pressed to keep up with her. Squinting into the bright Florida sunshine as I reached the parking lot, I hit the black top at a near run in order to find Wendy before she reached her car - but alas - I was not in time. Away she drove into the Kingsley Blvd. traffic. I would have to wait and put her card in the mail. I knew she would still be happy when she received her card - it would just be late.

In Luke chapter 10 we see two women as they received a visit from Jesus. Of the two, Mary was richly blessed by fellowship. As we read these verses we see that her sister, Martha, wasn't denied this blessing due to a lack of will that she should receive it - but instead missed out on time with Jesus because she was busy. She didn't sit still and listen - but maintained an intense focus on the things she felt she needed to do to make her visit with Jesus just right. Through this scenario, we learn along with Martha, that in order to receive blessings from Jesus - we need to put our focus on HIM so He can give them to us. How can we really receive from Him if we don't slow down and pay attention?

Like my illusive friend at the end of a church service, we sometimes miss out on things the Lord has in store for us because we have other priorities. In Luke, however - we are reminded that the REAL priority - the RIGHT priority - is always time with Jesus.

I've been guilty lately of missing out on these moments with my Savior. I tell myself that I'm too tired, or in too much pain, or too busy to set time aside to celebrate and worship my Lord on Sunday mornings in the presence of fellow believers. But today I was reminded of what Jesus said to Martha - there is only one important thing - I need to choose what is better and make Sunday Services a priority. How can I receive blessings from my Lord if I don't take the time needed to receive them?