Martha, Martha

Rosaria Champagne Butterfield writes in her books about the friendliness, hospitality and openness of the LGBT community to each other. It seems she and her former partner’s house had a revolving front door of homosexuals, all united by a common cause. She greatly enjoys cooking which certainly helps. Maybe that’s why no one is knocking on my door each evening! Now that she’s saved, and married, she and her husband still practice the art of hospitality.

Martha and Mary were practicing hospitality. They had people over that too were like minded. They shared a common interest — Jesus. Martha liked to cook and she was good at it. She got right to work, wanting to be sure to please Jesus and His disciples. So much to do, so little time! And there sat Mary, kicked back, enjoying the conversation and the company of Jesus to the fullest extent.

Mary was furious! “Why is this falling all on me? I simply cannot do this myself,” she fumed. Out of absolute frustration Mary could not hold her anger back any more, and feeling the pressure severely to serve hospitably, Martha blurted her feelings out to Jesus. “Don’t you see the injustice here, Jesus? I’m having to do all the work?” Feeling sure He would side with her and shame Mary into working and helping, Martha was flabbergasted at Jesus reply.

“Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that GOOD PART, which shall not be taken away from her.”

The Greek for good part is “the good portion” or “the good share,” building on the OT’s “portion” — meaning inheritance. Mary chose the best inheritance—a relationship with Jesus, the Word of God made flesh. She has chosen what was eternal, not temporary. Unlike food or tasks, the wisdom and presence of Christ cannot be taken away.

Yes, we must work, and clean our house and cook for our family, but we must prioritize Him in our lives, and we must make gathering with likeminded people, worshipping our Lord a priority. It was a priority for Jesus. The church is the believers gathering place. A place of hospitality. A place where likeminded people can come sit at Jesus feet and share and learn.

What Martha was doing was important but Mary prioritized. Jesus could have made food appear if needed. Do the right thing and trust Him inspite of the circumstances today. What good is a house full of people, eating and fellowshipping, or a spotless house, without Christ??? Not much good at all as Martha discovered.

Blessings

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