Ministry calls; it always does.
Your in-home Bible study starts in an hour. You’ve prepared all week with careful study and prayer. Throughout the week, there were meetings, family responsibilities, and a visit to a friend in the hospital.
"Leave her alone," said Jesus. "Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me. The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me."
This Scripture reminds us we are to take time to pour out our sincere affection on Christ because of all He’s done. Easier said than done. Our hectic schedules and to-do lists seem endless. Getting caught up in doing things—even good things—is easy.
This woman demonstrated love for Christ by offering an extravagant gift. Her offering made little sense to others, but that’s often the case when we linger long in His presence. Christ comes to the woman’s defense, admonishing those who criticized her actions. He reminded them that although it’s important to serve and minister to those in need, it is also important to quiet ourselves long enough to sit at His feet and worship Him.
In Luke 10, Jesus gently corrects Martha after she complained that her sister Mary was doing nothing to help with preparations for their guests. Jesus reminded Martha that Mary had chosen the better thing. Like the woman who lavished Jesus with the costly perfume, Mary sat at our Lord’s feet and gave Him her undivided attention. Both women demonstrated love by choosing to sit at His feet.
Others may think it strange, but there are times when out of genuine gratitude for all Christ has done, we’re compelled to remain at His feet. As I pondered the text, I wondered about the last time I lingered at His feet. I am more like Martha, and it has taken me years to cultivate a heart that willingly chooses to be still. I was also reminded that even good things can get in the way of doing the best things.
Before you rush headlong into the day, take a moment to sit in Jesus’ presence and lavish Him with love. In His estimation, this is a beautiful thing.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Nydia DiCarali resides in New York with her husband of twenty-two years and is the mother of two teenagers. A Christian for more than twenty-four years, Nydia teaches women’s Bible studies and has coordinated retreats and conferences to further encourage others to continue to walk by faith. She believes that when we allow ourselves to be governed by God’s Word we can live as more than conquerors.