Luke 10:38-42 (NRSV)
Read Luke 10:38-42 on biblegateway.com
Verse 38Now as they went on their way, he entered a certain village, where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Verse 39She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to what he was saying. Verse 40But Martha was distracted by her many tasks; so she came to him and asked, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me." Verse 41But the Lord answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; Verse 42there is need of only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her."
Devotion
Sister Mary comes off as the heroine of this story, but I personally like Martha better! Martha used the gifts she was given – cleaning, cooking and caring for Jesus. The world and the church need more Marthas. Martha would be the one at the soup kitchen serving food for the hungry. Martha would be the one who volunteers to help build a home for Habitat for Humanity. Martha would be the one who cooks, serves and cleans up after the church potluck. Martha would be the one who makes hundreds of quilts for Lutheran World Relief. Martha would be the one who “walks the talk of faith.” I hope that when she does these acts of mercy that she would also “talk the walk” and tell those whom she helps about her love for Jesus.
Prayer
Dear Christ, we take our name “Christian” from you. Help us to live up to your name in our words and deeds of love. Amen.