| Let us lay aside every weight and run the race with endurance. Hebrews 12:1 |
| Tomorrow’s baggage: The Weight of Stress 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.” [Luke 10:41] Even though she was in Jesus’ presence Martha was the picture of stress. Can we relate to Martha’s frustration and what does it mean for us today? Is stress weighing you down and blocking and hope of uplifting, passion-filled,peace-producing joy? Now don’t get me wrong, I can easily be more of a Martha than a Mary. I can become quite prideful of my workaholic tendencies. Likewise, when our lives focus more on the goodness of our works and less on the greatness of God’s grace we can become bitter, complaining and very stressed out people. Ministry itself can be more stressful when it becomes more about self, and vain ambition. Perhaps Martha’s downfall was not her work but more about her priorities. Instead of making a meal for Jesus she was making a big deal about her service. Might there be a bit of Martha within us? (I can only speak for myself) In tomorrow’s scripture Jesus tells Martha, “only one thing is needed.” In today’s stress laden society does this still apply, and by the way, what is that one thing. Come and see, Pastor Rob Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 |
| Scripture for Sunday is Luke 10:38-42 Jesus visits Martha and Mary38While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message. 40By contrast, Martha was preoccupied with getting everything ready for their meal. So Martha came to him and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to prepare the table all by myself? Tell her to help me.”41The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things. 42One thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the better part. It won’t be taken away from her.” Points to Ponder What are the major stressors in your life right now? Does stress impact your ability to focus on the most important thing you need to be concerned about? Jesus tells Martha, “Only one thing is necessary.” What do you think is that one thing in your life? |
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