Encounter: Martha

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42 NLT

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Prayer:

Dear God, Martha’s busyness, while well-intentioned, almost cost her the opportunity for a meaningful encounter with Jesus. I confess that I, too, can be distracted by trying to focus on many things instead of the main thing. When Martha welcomed you to her home, she made it about the dinner and presentation, just like we do when we make faith about religious clutter and noise—and we miss our intimate time with you. Slow me down, Lord. Help me clear the clutter, the well-intended and misplaced attention, and bring me to the quiet space, where I will discover the one thing worth being concerned about … you.

Amen.

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