16 MAY

RIGHT PRIORITIES
(MARTHA)

“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house…But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.”

(Luke 10:38, 40)

Martha was a hospitable lady but distracted with service. She seemed to have an eye for details and wanted the food and service to be perfect for our Lord. She had to see to it that all the food was tasty, prepared hygienically and served in the right dishes with the best silverware and glasses.

I understand this well because my mum is very hospitable like Martha, and she serves with joy and contentment. Most times when I visit her, she loads the well set breakfast table with variety of foods before I wake up. She also serves lunch and sits with me – usually not to eat but to refill my plate. Despite the fact that I eat only twice a day in my own house, she would still cook and serve supper with a variety of fruits – not considering that I may not eat. By the time she is through, we only have time for prayers and a little talk before bed. The day I am about to leave, she will suddenly realise that she had a lot she wanted to discuss with me but did not have the time because she was busy cooking and serving. I appreciate these and her many other acts of love very dearly. 

Eventually, Martha learnt to serve in silence, while listening to Jesus and with contentment and joy. Many of us serve in excellent ways at home, in church, ministry but are usually so tired every night that we sleep off without praying at all or much. In the morning we wake up and have to hurry off to work. During the day, we are busy. This must be improved upon.

ACTION: Resolve to give Jesus some more of your time, and not just your service!

PRAYER: Lord, help me to set my priorities right always.