Can't you see this needs to be done? ... Now!

Week beginning: 19th May, 2019 | By Mark Barrell | Mozambique

She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!"

"Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed–or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."

Luke 10:39-42 (NIV)

I really empathise with Martha… always something to be getting on with and worry about, as frustration sets in because others seemingly prevaricate. "Can't you see this needs to be done? Now!"

Martha saw her chance for self-affirmation. The Lord will back me. He knows I am doing my bit whilst my sister sits. His response "Mary has chosen what is better…" may have surprised her, but his tender repetition of her name recognising Martha's anxiety called her to a deeper understanding that he is all-sufficient for her.

Life in the law means we constantly see things that need to be done, possibly more so as Christians. Preparing well for exams, client meetings, court hearings and giving judgements is good and right. Standing up for the poor and needy, whilst advocating for freedom of religion: really important. Evangelism, essential…

But nothing is better, or more necessary, than firstly sitting at the foot of the Master under His teaching, for this demonstrates who is our Lord, and where our trust lies.

When we next encounter Martha her brother is dead. Faced with this tragedy she expresses full trust in Jesus, "Yes, Lord; I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world."* She had learnt well.

As you start this week, with many things to prepare and achieve, which Lord and Master will you trust?

*John 11:27 (ESV)

Prayer points:

1. Take time to bring yourself, as you are, and your worries, to the Lord Jesus Christ and commit everything, including your plans, into his hands, asking that He may through you bring glory to His name.
2. Pray for Mozambique which after two recent cyclones faces enormous challenges. Pray that the local church and the work of AMAC (The Association of Mozambican Christian Lawyers) will be a witness to Christ and help to those in the midst of these tragedies.