Delighting in a Visit                                                                                                                        E-9

 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he said.  But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

LUKE 10:38-42 (NIV)

 

This simple short story can give you a deep insight into just who Jesus is, how He prioritizes things in life, and how He just might speak with you as He stops by for a visit.  It is vitally important that we see just how much He delights in us, today, just as we are, knowing our past, knowing how we are wired, knowing about all the struggles in our lives.

Martha, who became a dear and beloved friend of Jesus, assumed that since Jesus was visiting, all manner of housework, cooking, cleaning and preparations had to be made.  She assumed that Jesus would be used to a grand feast, that He would need special attention, that all her neighbors would be checking out her plans for the special day of this visit.  What could have been a simple, yet memorable visit, turned into a nightmare of work and worry.  And her frustrations and self-imposed burdens showed themselves when she lashed out at her sister, Mary.

Mary was mixed up and rattled in so many ways, always trying to get her life turned around and on the right path.  She recognized that Jesus could help her, that He wanted to help her, and that He would indeed help her.  Nothing was more important to her than being with Jesus, talking with Him and understanding Him better.  To her, Jesus was the healing answer she had been seeking.

Martha thought Jesus would be pleased by a “show” of hospitality and honor; Mary just wanted to talk with Jesus.  Martha thought He needed a special sumptuous big feast; Mary didn’t even think about food because of her need.  Martha was consumed about providing a special experience that Jesus didn’t need; Mary just needed some one-on-one time.

Today, this minute, with you, Jesus doesn’t need any special prayers or devotions.  You need not endure some lengthy fast or do prominent works of charity.  In fact, you need not make any special preparations as Jesus comes to you to visit.  All He wants is your attention; all He wants is to speak with you and listen to you in return, so that you can recognize His voice of love and care for you.

At Martha and Mary’s house, a simple sandwich would have been fine with Jesus, because He was concentrating so much on blessing these two dear people. 

 

Today, this minute, put away all your preparations and distractions, and just visit with Jesus for a while.  He is really excited just to be with you, to listen to you, and to have you listen to Him!  You are such a delight to Him!

 

1) What do you think the Lord needs from you today?

2) Do you feel that sometimes it is easier being a “Martha” and get caught up in a zillion distractions in our spiritual life, rather than to quietly listen?

3) Why would Jesus be content with a sandwich instead of a banquet?

4) When God states that He delights in you, can you believe it?

5) Do you sometimes feel no one could delight in you?

6) Can you grasp the idea, and believe the fact, that God senses "delight" when thinking of you.  Even when you feel you are at your rock-bottom and unlovable, you are a delight!  Let this fact sink in! 

7) How does this story help you meet Jesus face to face?

8) What have you learned about Jesus as a person?  How much would He care about the losses in your particular life?

9) How would you describe Him to a friend of yours?

Receive the ability, directly given from the Holy Spirit, to place your trust and hope in Jesus.  Enjoy the expectation of new and vibrant life to come.  Believe, even though you might not feel so yet, that you are a delight in His eyes.