Martha represents the busy side of life which steals time from quiet-hearted moments with God, represented through the life of her sister, Mary. I am a true Mary hiding in a Martha life. Much, of course, is my own fault. I constantly take on more responsibility than I should. Yet, God patiently comes beside me in my not-so-well-thought-out choices to carry me through.
I guard quiet moments with Jesus first thing in the morning before anyone stirs, and texts tug for my attention, or phones frantically ring. And Lord knows I defend my evening time, sitting in solitude, meditating in the Word, and turning from the day toward Him — the One who knows everything anyway, my closest Friend, constant Companion, and Lord of all (even the frazzled details). Amidst the day’s busyness, worship rises, tuning my heart to Him. All these are tangible witness to the undergirding of a Mary heart turned toward Jesus.
Both the Mary and Martha side of me confess Him as Master. No, not as a cruel task master, but the loving Master who provides and protects His servants (even me).
“As the eyes of slaves look to the hand of their master,
as the eyes of a female slave look to the hand of her mistress,
so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he shows us his mercy.”
Psalm 123:2
A Martha Life
The morning sun barely creased the horizon as Martha hung the last of the laundry in the open air. Singing in harmony with an overly exuberant shrike, her spirit soared high in anticipation of the arrival of special guests. After sweeping debris from the doorstep, she entered her domain, automatically inspected the room, and assessed the remaining details to be tended to. Everything must be perfect! she thought. With one fluid motion, she whipped off her apron, straightened loose straggles of hair, tucked her money sack in her waistband, and grabbed a sturdy basket from the shelf, as she dashed out the door toward the market.
Lamb, fruit, goat’s milk . . . onions and beans for the stew He enjoys . . . Martha took rapid inventory as she scurried through the streets, making all her purchases before heading for home.
As she drew close, Martha’s brow furrowed at the sight of her sister Mary relaxing by the open window. Mary’s head rested in her hand as she leaned on the sill.
“What are you doing, Mary? He will soon be here. Don’t just stand there. HELP me!”
I know this was my idea, but surely, she could be of more help than this, Martha inwardly fumed as she whisked, churned, baked, and boiled.
“Clean here!” she barked. “Straighten up there, too! … Hurry! … Come on! No dawdling around.”
“ As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But 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!”
Luke 10:38-40
The entire region knew of Martha’s impeccable hospitality, offering every guest the absolute best. In many ways, serving became her identity — the thing she did so well. But sometimes, she resented the hard work of serving.
Mary’s Way
As soon as they arrived, Mary flung her apron on the wall hook and claimed a spot at Jesus’ feet. With ears like a little child, she earnestly listened to every word as He taught. The rhythm of His voice soothed her, resonating with the yearnings of her heart and touching the deepest regions within her soul.
The longer Mary sat, the greater Martha’s agitation grew. Finally, she burst through the circle of followers, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”
Oh, how often I have been all too much like Martha — implementing over-zealous plans. Then I have resorted to conscripting, commanding, and controlling others to make sure everything gets done! In frustration, I have sought empathy from others. Exhausted, I have pleaded with Jesus for “HELP!” In panic, I too have cried, “Get me out of the hectic swirl I’m sinking in.” Oh! How sad!
Jesus, our Good Master leads from a different perspective. He never abuses His authority or overburdens us. As Master, He provides for our needs, protects us from harm, and equips us for joy-filled service. He welcomes our “Mary” spirits to draw close and rest at His feet where minds are at peace and to-do lists forgotten.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42
Mary and Martha
Can you relate? Do you sometimes feel like a Mary hiding in a Martha life? Or rather buried under it?
You recognize the heart cry within us all to lay down every burden, worry, and stress. Never to be picked up again. You long for those moments reading His Word, soaking in His Presence, consumed in worship, and settled in prayer — the moments where only He satisfies … moments sweater than anything this earth could offer. You long to abandon all responsibility and pressure to stay forever at His feet.
But just as Jesus wouldn’t allow Peter to build a comfortable shelter on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-13) — to stay forever in the Holy Presence of the divine — neither can we. At least not now.
Jesus calls us both to drink of the fresh water of His Presence and to go to refresh others.
We need both, don’t we? We need the heart of Mary and hands of a Martha life. First at His feet, then giving ourselves in service to others. And yes, service involves sacrifice. A relinquishing of the easy life for dust between our toes, sweat on the brow, and long days that flow into long nights. But when we offer both a Mary heart and a Martha life as sacred gifts to Jesus, our Master and Lord, He provides us the grace for both.
“Father, thank You for being my gentle and loving Master. My eyes look to You to supply all I need.
You are my protector and provider. With heart open I come and wait at Your feet.
In You, I find mercy and grace.
Amen.”
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This is a revised devotion from the book, Great and Awesome God — a coloring book devotional. Available on Amazon in Canada or in the United States and elsewhere.