One Thing Is Needed

Jesus has visited Mary and Martha, he had gone over with his disciples.
On arriving he was welcomed and Martha rushed to the kitchen to cook something delicious for him. Mary on the other hand sat close to him and listened to what he had to say. She was very interested in what he would say because she had not seen him for some time. Martha loved Jesus too and she wanted him to have a good meal. She wanted to treat him well as her visitor and make sure his needs were met. However she noticed her sister was not helping her with the work that seemed too much to handle alone. In frustration she asked Jesus to send over her sister to help her but Jesus reminded Martha that her priorities were not right. One thing is needful and that is to sit at the feet of Jesus. Now the problem with Martha was not that she did not love Jesus but she focused on the wrong thing first.

Whenever we have not been with a loved one for a long time, perhaps they were in another country or they were far our of town we long for them. When they get back we hug them and sit close to them to listen. We don't usually say let me get you food, or fix your bed etc..we usually first want to hear how they were doing and what happened while away. Sometimes we just simply want to look at them and listen to anything they have to say.

The same thing is what Christ is trying to tell us through this story. If we really love him, we will put him first in our lives. We will long to sit and listen to him talk to us. In the morning hours before starting the days chores, we will spend time with him while our minds are still fresh and uncluttered. This also depends on how much we love the person and long to see them. As our love for Christ grows we will automatically put him first and the daily cares last. If you have a lot to do today, begin the day with God. If Martha first sat down to listen then later when Jesus was done talking he would have released both Martha and Mary to go cook. He knew Marthas wishes to serve him a good hearty meal. Am sure he would not talk for 5 hours, he would teach them something that would build their relationship then let them go cook. This time Martha would not cook alone but together with Mary.

When Jesus said seek me first or spend time with me first it does not meal he doesn't care about the things you want to do. He wants to give you strength and support for the task later. He knows your cares and will not let you spend time with him and later suffer alone. He will send you help for your daily cares. Begin your day with God and put him first in all your endevours and all these things will be added unto you.