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
Being called as a mission developer or church planter has kept me busy the last seven years. It seems there is always a new ministry to be created. We are constantly trying to find creative ways to connect with and serve those in our larger community and to disciple those who become a part of the faith community. The problem is that I often get caught up in the doing of ministry without taking time to stop and listen to Jesus.
The fact that you are reading this God Pause devotion tells me that you are somewhat better than I am in this matter of taking time to listen. But perhaps you too struggle with the proper balance of doing the work God is calling you to do, in the church and out in the world, and taking time to slow down, stop and simply listen. The question I wrestle with is: If we are not listening to Jesus, are we then sure that we doing the right work?
Prayer
God of Mercy, you have called us to do your work, now give us the patience to stop and listen as you teach and lead us. In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.