Mary, Martha and Lazarus.
Monday, July 19, 2010; 12:32 PM | 0 Comments

from Max Lucado's A Gentle Thunder:

They didnt argue for the best seat. They didnt resent each other's abilities. They didnt try to outdo each other. All three worked with one purpose. But each one fulfills that purpose in his or her unique manner.
Martha served; she always kept everyone in step.
Mary worshipped; she anointed her Lord with an extravagant gift, and its aroma filled the air.
Lazarus had a story to tell, and He was ready to tell it.

'Marthas are the Energizer bunnies of the church. They keep going and going and going. They store strength like a camel stores water. Since they dont seek the spotlight, they dont live off the applause. Thats not to say they dont need it. They just arent addicted to it. Marthas have a mission to complete.
If Marthas had a weakness, it is their tendency to elevate the mission over the Master.'

A younger Martha invites a younger Jesus to come for dinner. Jesus accepts and brings his disciples.
Martha was angry because Mary is sitting at the feet of Jesus instead of helping out. Martha complained.
Jesus explains in Luke 10:41-42 "Martha Martha, you are worried and upset about many things. Only one thing is important. Mary has chosen the better thing."
Martha understood.

This time, a dinner was given in Jesus' honour for raising Lazarus from the dead. Martha served, while Lazarus reclined at the table with the Lord and Mary worshipping. But this time Martha does not object. She has learned that there is a place for praise and worship, and that is what Mary is doing.
An earlier Martha would have objected. But the mature Martha has learned that just as there is a place in the kingdom of God for sacrificial service, there is also a place for extravagant praise.
...

Some convert the lost. Some encourage the saved. And some keep the movement in step. All are needed.

If God has called you to be a Martha, then serve! Remind us that there is evangelism in feeding the poor and worship in nursing the sick.
If God has called you to be a Mary, then worship! Remind the rest of us that we dont have to be busy to be holy.
If God has called you to be a Lazarus, then testify! Remind the rest of us too, that we have a story to tell.

Each of us has a place at the table.

So if you are a Martha, be strengthened. God sees your service.
And if you are a Mary, be encouraged. God receives your worship.
And if you are a Lazarus, be strong. God honours your conviction.


OLDER | NEWER