John 12:26 "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, my servant also will be."
After the Lord gave me all the parts of The Journey, I sat thinking about those that serve. My mind went to the story of Mary and Martha. Jesus and His friends had come to visit and Martha was busy preparing a meal. I would imagine that it was the best in the house, for Jesus was there, an honored guest. I can see her busy in the kitchen working so hard to make everything perfect, wondering where Mary was, she needed her help. I can see her coming into the living area and seeing Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him. The heart of Martha so longing to be where Mary was, and her mind telling her there are things to do, and why wasn't Mary helping. The conflict of her heart and her head caused her to blurt out and complain to the Lord about Mary not helping. Then the Lord told Martha she was worried and upset about many things....see He knew her heart, He knew what was on her mind. Only one thing, Jesus told her, was needed and Mary had chosen that which was the best, and He would not take that from her. I don't think Jesus was being cruel to Martha, I think He wanted her to realize that although all her preparations were good, they were not what was the most important.
Remember the last big meal you prepared? A holiday meal, when everyone was coming to your house and there was so much to do, you worked for days and was cooking a lot of food and by the time the company arrived all you could think of was making it perfect. You did not enjoy the day, you spent no time with the company, no quality time as you were in the kitchen preparing and then cleaning up. Then they were gone, and you could not remember spending any time with them, enjoying them, sharing the day with them.
I believe Jesus wanted Martha to realize that although preparations and wanting things to be just right for company often leaves us unsatisfied as we miss the part that is the most important. Being with each other, enjoying each others company. As with Mary, she wanted to spend her time with Jesus. Being with Him, listening to Him speak, tell the stories that would remain in her memory forever. Martha, I truly believe, wanted this also, but could not get past what she had been taught was the more important. I think so many of us were raised with the same beliefs, making everything perfect for company, making sure everyone was satisfied. I can remember my mother so tired at the end of the day after company left and she had not spent any time with them to speak of. I followed right in her footsteps. The Lord has taught me that it doesn't matter near as much what you serve to your guests as long as it is done with lots of love and attention. The attention that is given as you share time with them, visiting and laughing with them, enjoying their company.
Serving the Lord should be just that. Serving Him with joy, giving Him your time. Don't spend so much time doing things for the Lord that you fail to spend that quality time with Him, just sitting quietly with Him, listening to the things He will want to share with you, being in His presence. The Lord loves all we do to serve Him at church or in groups and ministries, but you cannot serve two masters. The enemy is very good at keeping you so busy with "good" works that you fail to have time to spend with the Lord. Spending time with Him is the better thing to do. You need to spend quailty time with our Lord. Climb up in the Fathers lap and let Him tell you how much He loves you and what He has planned for you. Look up into His eyes and tell Him how much you love Him, how you cannot take another step, do not want to go on without His being with you, without His presence surrounding you. You need this respite with the Lord daily, this time to serve Him with your adoration, giving Him your attention, serving Him alone. The journey will not be near as wonderful, near as beautiful, without this solace with Him each day.
02-21-12
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