Saturday Sisters - Martha of Bethany

In the occasional series of meditations ~~
         A lot of women seem to identify with Martha.

Be anxious for nothing but in everything

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving

let your requests be made known to God.

And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension,

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6,7

Luke 10:38-42; John 11:1-12:8

  Poor Martha. Everyone criticizes her. But, really where would we be without the Marthas of this world? Jesus didn't criticize either sister.

  But Martha did need to take time with her Master, so that she could rediscover peace in the work that brought her so much joy.

  A few verses before where our story opens (Luke 9:58) Jesus said He had nowhere to sleep. Martha "opened her home." Did she hear, or hear of, those words, and respond to a need?

  Both in her home and at her brother's tomb, Martha didn't hesitate to tell Jesus just what she was thinking. Maybe Mary no longer noticed her sister's sharp comments, but Jesus listened, and heard.

 And when Jesus spoke, Martha listened, heard, and believed.

 She could continue her work, but now she had the peace that is beyond understanding, because she had met the Master.

  And i have to ask, What about me? 

           Am i distracted in my serving, or in my recreation?

                        What does Jesus think of my distractions?

                                          Am i listening?

"Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life;

he who believes in Me shall live
even if he dies,

and everyone who lives

and believes in Me shall never die.

Do you believe this?"

She said to Him, "Yes, Lord,
I have believed

that You are the Christ,

even He who comes into the world."

John 11:25-27

Martha was frustrated and angry

when her work was about pots and pans.

She was calm when it was about Jesus.