It Doesn't Get Much Plainer

I don't know how any of you pray, but Jesus and I have some pretty unique conversations at times.

I have been known to yell at Him and tell Him that maybe He knows what He's doing, but it certainly doesn't appear that way to me.  I've, also, sobbed uncontrollably and prayed incoherently and known that He understood because of the great peace that filled me to overflowing.  But lots of times I just ask Him my questions and then sit patiently (sometimes not so) and wait for Him to give me an answer that I can understand.

Today was one of those times.

I was tired.  (See the previous post.)  I was frustrated.  (Again, see previous post.)  And one of my students from Sunday School had brought up a very good question.  I needed an answer for myself, but, also, one that she could understand.

Have you ever struggled with that Mary/Martha thing??  There's work that needs to get done.  (AND there's LOTS of scripture that talks about working!)  But there's, also, that part about needing to just spend time with Him.  Sometimes, I have heard preachers/evangelists/teachers elevate those people who spend the majority of their time in "spiritual" activities (praying, Bible reading/studying, teaching, preaching, etc.) way up on the "Mary" level, and I have gotten frustrated.

The fact is that none of those "spiritual" people would get much accomplished if it wasn't for those "Marthas" that vacuum, mop, dust, wipe snotty noses, wash dishes, cook, etc.  Somebody has to do the grunt work.

Why should the "Marys" be considered smarter/wiser/more spiritual than the "Marthas"?  Why would Jesus say that?

So, I asked Him.  And He answered.

The "Marys" aren't any more spiritual than the "Marthas".  But the "Marys" have learned how to use their time appropriately.

There's a time to work.  There's a time when food has to be prepared, eaten, cleaned up, and stored away.  There's a time to mop the floor, do the maintenance on the vans, mow the lawn, and do the yard work.  There's a time for all of the normal stuff.  There's a time to go out and evangelize.  There's a time to go teach the Word.  There IS a time!

BUT--

There's, also, a time to set it all aside and sit at His feet.  There's a time to worship, to praise, to listen, and to grow!

When Jesus shows up, and there's a group of believers gathered, it's time to put the mop and hammer down.  It's time to learn to act like Mary.  While it's true that you can worship, praise, and pray while you work, there are times when the focus needs to be exclusively on Him.

Most of us would never think of vacuuming the floor in the middle of a worship service.  That's not the time or place.  That doesn't mean it doesn't need done.  It's just not appropriate.

I think that what Jesus was really trying to correct in Martha, was her timing, not her calling.  He didn't intend to condemn her "git it done" attitude.  He just needed her to be aware of what was appropriate at the time.  He wanted to fellowship and teach and talk, but He didn't want to have to yell over the kitchen noise to do it.  He was in Martha's house.  He knew she was a good hostess.  But He really wanted to just spend some time with her before they got down to the business of eating and other normal things.

Sometimes Jesus makes me hunt for answers, and then there are days like today, where He just pulled up to the other side of the table and had a good talk with me.  It certainly couldn't have been much plainer.