Today’s scripture: Luke 10:38-42 (ESV – text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me in this passage? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (David Squire):
I’m definitely a Martha when it comes to having guests in my home. I want things to be perfect — the house spotless, the dogs well-behaved, and the food as good as I can make it. That’s my duty as a host, right?
But then I hear what Jesus says. “She has chosen the better part.” And something in my gut tells me He’s right. The food and the house and all the rest are not the point of it all.
I’ve always thought that Jesus was telling Martha to come listen to Him. After all, she had the Son of God in her living room! Stop fussing with the pot roast!
But I wonder if He meant “the better part” a bit more broadly. I think Jesus came to show us how to live — to draw us away from the mundane details of this life that beat us down, and to call us up to things that are higher, things that are eternal.
Jesus spent His whole ministry showing us that the point of our life here is to take care of each other. Maybe he was telling Martha, “I love what you’re doing for Me, hon, but really, it’s not the most important thing! Come spend some time with Me, that’s what I really want. And spend some time with your sister, too. Share this experience — it will bring you closer together.”
Thought for the day: As I participate in my Thanksgiving rituals, I’m going to remember to focus on what’s eternal — the people God has placed around me.
If you’d like to read more Thanksgiving-themed Be Still, check out the Thanksgiving category link.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to start, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.