Service in vain!

   - you are worried and bothered about so many things. Luke 10:41

   This was Jesus' word to the busy serving Martha. But it is sure enough a word that fits many a Christian whom in their eagerness to serve Jesus, do the Christian life to a burden both for themselves and their fellow wanderers. Not at least for the Marysouls who loves to sit by Jesus' feet taken up with the savior Himself - those who have found this incomprehensible treasure, which they never can view enough, and grow in grace and knowledge of.
   This the Marthasouls does not have any particular sense of, even if they too can put Jesus high - yes, love Him! - But they have a more or less rock steady belief in their own importance, and the necessity of their service for the Master. Therefore, Jesus have to remind Martha of exactly this which is so important for us to know: «But only one thing is necessary.» (v.42).
   Stop and consider: Does this word fits on you and your Christian practise?
   The Marthasoul thinks that Marys place leads to a totally passivity - that is not the fact, but opposed to Martha - who obviously got a lot of things done for Jesus, pure practical - Mary got to do the Lords deeds!
   This is what Martha - and perhaps you too - needs to become aware of. If the Lord is not allowed to serve you, He can never get to use you in His service either. If He never gets to lead you in to His rest, He never gets to use you active either. - How paradoxical it may sound.
   You can sit down safely and without fear by Jesus' feet, taken up with Himself, in that certainty that He can, and will, use the things that are not! (1 Cor. 1:28).
   But it is He who shall do it! It is not something that you shall worry and bother about!

E.K.

Holy Bible New American Standard Version
Translator: E.K.