Pastor Barry's  "Chapter & Verse"  Day 266

September 23;   Luke 10:42;   54/260(II);   ‘The Right Choice’

Luke 10:42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her." 

The Lord Jesus was welcomed into the house of Martha and her sister Mary.  They were the sisters of Lazarus, Jesus’ friend, who Jesus would soon raise from the dead.  Jesus was teaching in their house and Mary was sitting at the feet of Jesus, attentively listening.  Martha, who seemed to have the makeup of a person always busying herself working, was not listening to Jesus, but was serving those in her home.  The fact that Mary was listening to Jesus and not helping Martha, annoyed her and Martha asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her.  Jesus told Martha that what Mary was doing, listening to what Jesus was teaching, was more important than taking care of ‘stuff.’  What Jesus said is incredibly important.  Hospitality is important.  Taking care of and serving guests is important.  When Jesus is present, spending time with Him is more important, the serving can wait.  Home Bible studies, prayer meetings, fellowships are very important.  Spending time together as Christians is vital.  When Jesus ‘is present’ in the Bible study or prayer meeting, everything else can and should wait.  Being with Jesus is more important than anything else.  Get together with family or friends are wonderful.  If they are on a Sunday morning, tell everyone you will be there right after church.  Family or friends may not like it, but they will respect you and the Lord you love.  Take a firm stand on sports your children are active in.  Make sure your children and the team coach knows that your child will not be there on a Sunday morning.  This tells your child and the coach that Jesus Christ is first.