Photo by Aaron Burden on UnsplashNow 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, do 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 away from her. Luke 10:38-42
From this passage of Scripture, do you generally identify more with Mary or Martha?
I am both women. I can easily become distracted and frustrated because of my busyness. When this is the case, I always experience a sense of loss - an opportunity to sit and listen to Jesus that's lost and gone forever. I regret this and must confess it as sin.
"We Christians must simplify our lives or lose untold treasures on earth and in eternity. Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible. The need for solitude and quietness was never greater than it is today." A. W. Tozer
"This perpetual hurry of busyness and company ruins me in soul if not in body. More solitude and earlier hours!... Surely the experience of all good men confirms that proposition that without a due measure of private devotions the soul will grow lean." William Wilberforce
"A man can no more take in a supply of grace for the future than he can eat enough for the next six months, or take sufficient air into his lungs at one time to sustain life for a week. We must draw upon God's boundless store of grace from day to day as we need it." D. L. Moody
"There is greater rest and solace to be found in the presence of God for one hour, than in an eternity of the presence of man." Robert Murray M'Cheyne
"Remember that it is not hasty reading, but serious meditation on holy and heavenly truths, that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul." Thomas Brooks
"He who lives with little prayer - he who seldom reads the Word - he who seldom looks up to heaven for a fresh influence from on high - he will be the man whose heart will become cold and barren." C. H. Spurgeon
But of course, Jesus said it best in Matthew 11:28-30, and who would want to refuse such an invitation?:
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
In searching for the encouraging quotes listed above, I also came upon this anonymous hymn that so aptly describes the wonderful exchange that is made while sitting at the feet of our Savior.
At the Feet of Jesus
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Oh, the words I hear Him say!
Happy place! So near, So precious!
May it find me there each day;
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
I look not upon the past;
For He’s been to me so gracious,
I’m forgiven, cleansed at last.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where can mortal be more blest?
There I lay my sins and sorrows,
And, when weary, find sweet rest.
Sitting at the feet of Jesus,
Where I come to weep and pray;
While I from His fullness gather
Grace and comfort for each day.
Bless me, O my Savior, bless me,
As I sit here at Your feet;
Now look down in love upon me,
Let me see Thy face so sweet.
Lord, give to us the mind of Jesus,
At His feet we long to live;
With Christ's love, now kindly seize us,
So we His welcome freely give.
From the hymnal Select Hymns from 1911 (slightly revised)
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