“And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.” (Luke 10:39-40 KJV).
In these passages, we're given a picture of Martha’s sister Mary in a posture of a devoted student, sitting intently at the Lord's feet absorbing His teachings. While Martha, on the other hand, is busy with the preparations for the Lord's meal, becoming irritated and pulled in different directions by her many chores. Hence, she complained with the Lord Jesus asking Him to tell Mary to help. She’s feeling proud of her efforts, but overwhelmed in serving her guests along with extensive kitchen work. She seeks some kind of the Lord’s intervention in a family affair that looks like a sibling rivalry.
Martha's actions of service in hospitality aren't bad, it is good and commendable, but it is driven by work of self effort, not fruit of faith in grace. It is rooted in a desire to please God by works, not by faith. We need salvation by grace in faith. Apart from grace His word clearly says: “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.” (Isaiah 64:6 NIV).
What pleases God is not our works of self effort. Scriptures declare: “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6 KJV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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