Read Luke 8-10
“I wish I had more time!” How often have you said that phrase? I feel like I say it daily! My to do list seems to be never ending. I finish one project and two more have been added to my list. I cross off one task and immediately move on to start the next one. I have deadlines, meetings, responsibilities and preparations not to mention time for my spouse, kids, friends and myself! Oh yeah, and then there’s church…they always want me to volunteer my spare time (spare time…what’s that?) There is always something or someone that needs me or my attention. Take a minute and pull out your calendar, to- do list or schedule. What does your week look like? It can be a bit overwhelming and stressful.
In Luke 10, we come across a story of two sisters that have Jesus over to their house. (Imagine what you would do if you knew Jesus was coming to your house tonight! I can hear my wife giving me the mother of all cleaning lists! ) Martha spends all her time cleaning and preparing for Jesus, while Mary just sits at Jesus’ feet. Martha isn’t doing anything wrong…she’s doing what needs to get done, right? However in her frustration, she approaches Jesus about the situation and gets a response from Jesus she wasn’t expecting (Luke 10:41-42).
Each of our lives are busy, full of important and “necessary” tasks. Jesus gives Martha, and us, an important lesson on priorities. He makes it very simple: there are things that can be taken away and things that can’t. Which do we spend more time on? Jesus is here wanting to spend time with you…are you a Martha or a Mary? Are you busy getting things done or are you pausing long enough to sit at the feet of Jesus? Are you in control of your schedule…or is your schedule in control of you?
- Brian Haas is the High School Pastor at Adventure Christian Church
