Page 29 - January15-Catalyst

a COntrast Of trust vs. trYing
Mary seemed to understand that Jesus valued her demonstrated discipleship. It is clear that she trusted Jesus. Perhaps she knew that He knew the meal could wait. She knew He had the power to produce a meal of any scope. Perhaps she had heard and remembered His salient words from His message on the mountain side, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Her actions demonstrate that she trusted the truth of Je- sus’ words.
In contrast, Martha was “trying” so hard to do everything right for Jesus (as if He need- ed obsessive activity). She apparently did not even trust that He cared for her or knew how to handle the situation. She groused, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” He corrected her, ‘Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things.’”
In our Christian experiences, our faith can also falter. We begin to think that Jesus needs us to “do things” for Him, in our en- ergy and determination. Rather, He calls us to abide in Him, and allow Him to bear the fruit of His life and power through us in transformational expression.
a Pursuit Of reward vs. results
The story portrays Martha wanting to pro- duce the immediate and temporary result of a great meal and an impressive expression of hospitality. Mary, according to Jesus, embraced an approach that would “not be taken away from her.” When our living and service begins with the empowerment of His presence, it is marked by spiritual purity and power. The impact may be immediate and measurable. One thing is sure – the re- ward will be eternal.
In our business-minded approach to serving Christ, we risk the danger of “management by results” that may be easily attributed to our clever planning and superb execution. Sadly, our efforts may have nothing to with the direction and empowerment of the Spirit, experienced in humble dependence and relentless surrender. Eternity’s score- board is always accurate in exposing the dif- ference.
a demOnstratiOn
Of sPiritual resPOnsiBilitY vs. self-righteOusness
Simply put, Mary embraced the spiritual responsibility of a true disciple. Martha slipped into a self-righteous religious per- formance that led her to harsh judgment toward her sister who did not perform ac- cordingly. External standards of spirituality based on performance always leave us ex- hausted and exercising a prideful compari- son with others.
Speaking to the crowds who were following Him with skewed motives and wanted Him to do great “works”, Jesus declared, “Do not labor for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you...This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent” (John 6:27-29).
Jesus’ words to His followers are simply, “Follow Me.” He did not tell us to “figure it all out” or “force things to happen.” Time spent in His presence, feasting on His life- giving truth, is always the core commitment of a fruitful follower. The life of His Spirit in us is the secret to real spiritual responsi- bility. We can embrace this priority, make the best choices, trust Him for the results, and seek eternity’s reward – every day.
Copyright © 2015 Daniel Henderson. All rights reserved.
February 2015
CityLight.org 29