Liz’s Morning Devotional: Scripture selected from Upper Room
April 23, 2023
Luke 10:38-42
38 While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. 39 She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. 40 By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.” 41 The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. 42 One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.”
Good Morning, This is the day that the Lord has made! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
There is a time to work and a time to sit. Many of us, especially the ladies, were brought up with the understanding that when you host a group at your house, it is our job to serve and care for the needs of your guests. I know some who do this very well, and they have a great gift.
When I was a young bride and mother, I would try to follow this accepted norm when I had company. I would spend hours or even days preparing for the arrival of my guests. I would plan and prep the meals and set a beautiful table with all of my unique serving pieces in place. When it was time to eat, I hardly had time to sit as I would be busy serving my guests. When the meal was over, my guest would sit and talk while I worked to clean up the mess. I was physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted by the time everyone left.
I had moments like Martha when I was upset that the others were not offering to help. I even shooed away potential helpers so that they could go enjoy visiting. At one gathering, I suddenly realized that if I had a simpler meal and used disposable plates, I could join in with the others.
This became even more important when a friend shared a story about how her grandmother had been at her house. My friend was so busy being a hostess that she had no time to talk to her. This visit turned out to be her last because God called her home to glory soon after this.
The dishes can wait, but time together is precious. Jesus says, “We know not the day nor the hour of His return.” We must not throw away any minute of fellowship. I’m reminded of a series of commercials from a few years back (sadly, I don’t remember the company). What I do remember are scenarios where money is spent on things like tickets to a play and airfare to get there: tickets $200, flight $500, and time together priceless.
Jesus paid the price for our gift of eternal life. We should spend our lives sharing this gift with others. Each time it is shared, the gift grows as God’s family grows. Priceless!
Blessed God, We thank you for Your blessings. Help us let go of the small stuff and listen to You. Thank You! In the name of Christ, we pray. Amen
Thought for the day: Spending time with God renews me to serve God and others better.
Eternal life: priceless! Pastor Liz
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