“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.” (Luke 10:41-42)
What is repeated in scripture is important, and Jesus said Martha’s name twice. Martha is important to the heart of God. I am important to Him. You are important to Him, as well. People are what matters most to God. Jesus didn’t say Martha’s name twice out of frustration, He said it with regard.
Martha was worked up. I’ve hosted lots of events and this might be the most relatable story in scripture for wives and moms and party planners. Martha had opened up her home to Jesus and His friends, and was up to her elbows preparing what had to be a fantastic meal. In the midst of all her chopping and stirring and tasting and place-setting, she looked up and saw her sister sitting at Jesus’ feet like she hadn’t a care in the world.
Something ugly rose up in Martha, threatening to sour the entire evening. She went straight to the top with the inequity she felt. Jesus surprised her, though: He told her, Mary had chosen what was better. Sitting at Jesus’ feet was actually the priority of the day, and if Martha blew past it, she would miss the most meaningful moments of her existence.
Martha’s mistake is common to each of us. Thankfully, it’s correctable. So many of our frustrations with others stem from our inability to sit alone in a room with God. Slowing ourselves to His pace will inevitably sort out the vexations that plague us. Of course, it will be uncomfortable at first – as most good habits are. But as we plod past initial distress, we find a God who knows our name and cares tenderly to our soul.
“Let all that I am lie quietly before the Lord.” (Psalm 62:5 NLT)
a great opportunity to allow my soul to sit with my Savior and appreciate His creation.
Lord, when we are worked up, please help us to recall how You know our name. May we hear Your call to quiet. May we receive it as an invitation to rest in Your presence. Give us the courage to still our soul and meet Your perfect pace. Reframe our thinking, teach us how to prioritize Your presence in every circumstance. Amen.