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? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Deb Doty):
It’s a very familiar story. Jesus visits the two sisters, and while Martha is running around like a crazy woman on fire, Mary follows Jesus around like a puppy who only has eyes for its master.
I’d imagine that Martha had given Mary the death glare several times, but Mary wasn’t picking up on it. So, Martha probably tried a few industrial strength sighs — at first for Mary’s benefit but then for Jesus’ as well. But nobody was getting the hint, so Martha said what was on her mind, “Jesus, will you tell this lazy thing to come help me? Don’t you care that I’m about to wear myself to a frazzle?”
But Jesus shook his head and said, “Martha, Martha,” (he probably had to say her name twice just to get her to calm down enough to hear him!) “There’s only one thing you really need. Don’t you see? Mary does.”
This story has caused a lot of guilt among the Marthas of the world. And a few alleged Marys may have grown a trifle smug. But this story isn’t a slam against serving. And it isn’t an excuse not to do housework (I wish!). It centers on “one thing.” Martha was consumed with many things; Mary chose one thing. This passage centers on the one thing that can’t be taken away from her or from anyone who chooses that one thing.
The late Rich Mullins, one of my very favorite Christian composers, wrote a song called My One Thing. I love this up-tempo song so much that I will put it on repeat and crank it up until the windows wiggle and the cat runs and hides under the kitchen table with her front paws stuffed in her ears. (OK, that may be slight hyperbole. But I could swear the cat rolls her eyes.) Anyway, it’s not just the catchy tune and rock rhythm I love—the lyrics are great, too.
“Everybody I know says they need just the one thing,
But what they really mean is they need just one thing more.
And everybody seems to think they got it coming.
Well, I know that I don’t deserve it; still I want to love and serve you more and more.
You’re my one thing.“Save me from those things that might distract me—
Please take ‘em away and purify my heart.
I don’t want to lose the eternal for the things that are passing
‘Cause what would I have when the world is gone if it isn’t for the love that goes on and on
With my one thing.
You’re my one thing.“Whom have I in heaven but you, Jesus?
And what better could I hope to find down here on earth?
Oh, I could cross the most distant reaches of this world,
But I’d just be wastin’ my time ‘cause I’m certain already, I’m sure I’d find you’re my one thing.
You’re my one thing.”[Rich Mullins, 1989, BMG Songs, Inc.]
For Rich, Jesus was his “one thing” — just as Jesus was the “one thing” Mary chose while Martha was distracted. It wasn’t that Martha didn’t care about Jesus. On the contrary! But Jesus isn’t just the first of many things; he is the one thing. When Jesus comes to call, drop the dishcloth. The dishes will wait. Don’t miss the opportunity to be with Jesus.
To me, that’s what an intentional quiet time is all about. It’s about welcoming Jesus into your home and then actually taking time to be with him, coming to know and love him — and then to serve him — more and more.
Thought for the day: What’s my “one thing”? What do I want my “one thing” to be?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.