Dear Friend,
There is a beautiful moment in Luke 10:38-42 where two beloved friends of Jesus, Mary and Martha, who just happen to be sisters are contrasted for us. These two sisters hold wisdom for us as believers and lovers of Jesus.
The story as recorded in Luke 10.
38As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. 39She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. 40But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
41The Lord answered, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, 42but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Only One Thing
Martha wasn't wrong to serve. Her hands were busy for Him, and that matters. But Jesus was pointing to something underneath the serving — a posture Mary had already found without lifting a finger.
Being a Christian or as the Apostle Paul would say, 'in Christ (The Messiah)' comes down to one thing: spending time at the feet of Jesus in communion. Hanging on His every word (written or spoken).
Jesus Himself modelled this for us when He let us in on a little secret. That He only does and speaks what the Father is doing and speaking. All those moments He would get away to spend time in communion with the Father, sometimes all night; is exactly what we need to be doing with Him. For apart from Him we can literally do nothing. John 15:5
This is the one thing, the main thing we as believers must prioritize to ensure we never hear those dreaded words, "I do not know you."
When you consistently spend time with Him, 'having a coffee with Jesus' — even in the seasons when you don't feel like it — there will come a day when He totally captivates you, just as He did for Mary. When you experience His personal touch for yourself, spending time with Him becomes as natural to you as breathing.
This happened to me on the first day of September 2022.
I had been gradually growing hungrier for the Word of God by waking up early, and on that day I was watching a YouTube sermon. I certainly wasn't burning with passion for every one of His words like Mary was, but on that day, the Father must have said I was ready. I literally felt Holy Spirit fire coursing through my veins, and it was as if Jesus, my High Priest, had lit the menorah flame of what little oil I had. And now, eight months later as I first write this, the flame has become a literal inferno — a blaze He continues to stoke even brighter.
What about you?
I understand if you're reading this and can't relate. This is exactly where Martha was when she came complaining to Jesus. But He lovingly told her that Mary had found the most important thing in life, and He would never take that away from her.
I get it. You've heard of these so-called "Jesus people" before. If you've never had a Damascus road moment, and all you've experienced of Jesus is stale religion, then yes, Mary and I might sound alien to you — maybe even offensive.
That's okay, because I have good news: I was exactly where you are right now before it happened to me. I was just sitting on my couch, drinking coffee, and watching a sermon on my laptop. He will meet you no matter where you are, even if all you have is a drop of oil in your lamp. It doesn't matter — He can set your heart on fire for Him all over again.
If you're not sure what to do, I encourage you to have an honest conversation with God. You don't have to be religious or pious here. He can handle anything you throw at Him, including all your shame and disappointment in life — maybe even disappointment in Him. If you're ready to seek Him, perhaps this prayer will help you get started.
One Thing Prayer
Lord Jesus, I have heard rumors about Your love and plans for me.
But in all honesty, right now, it feels as if there is a massive chasm between us.
Lord, I ask — could You show me that You are real?
Could I get a glimpse of the love that everyone says You have for me?
I know I'm not perfect; only You are.
I ask that You meet me in this moment,
Just as You did with the Apostle Paul on the way to Damascus.
I don't want to simply know about You anymore — I simply can't do that anymore!
I want to know for myself who You are,
And what You really mean for my life.
If it's true that You look favorably on me; let me know Your ways
So that I may continue to enjoy Your unmerited favor.
In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen.
God Bless You Today
I hope this helps you, my brother or sister.
But remember, your own words to Him are always best. If you genuinely want to meet Him, you will be surprised at how quickly He comes running to you. And at how naturally you'll find yourself bowing at His feet.
I know I sure was.
God bless!
JPJ
