There are two sisters in the Bible whom we can never forget. The older, Martha, figures as a lady full of bustle, fussy, on edge, nervous, always busy in the kitchen doing something, and irritable about it because her sister Mary doesn't share in getting all the chores done. Their story is in Luke 10:38-42. Martha also becomes the hostess at a big banquet (John 12:2). A very good lady, hard-working. But she missed something that would have made her life more happy.
Jesus appreciated being a guest in Martha's "house" in Bethany, a suburb of Jerusalem. It was a relief for Him from the pressure of sick people hounding Him and the constant hatred of the Jewish leaders. Martha was a "believer," but not a very "hungry" one.
Her younger sister Mary had also become a believer while living in exile in Magdala up in Galilee. By piecing together all the context of this story, it becomes evident that their uncle had had a lot to do with raising Mary (the father is never mentioned; apparently he was out of the picture, dead, or at least as good as dead--some fathers are like that!). Uncle Simon had begun molesting young Mary sexually (some uncles in history have done things like that). Mary was vulnerable. Knowledge of the affair would have ruined good Simon's career as a leader in the church in Jerusalem; it seems that Mary took a nosedive into despair up there in Magdala. She was an intelligent young woman, which made her despair all the more bitter. Many women can identify; she hated the man who had ruined her life, and apparently all men, too. Gave up hope that there is any such thing in the world as clean, pure love. Became a basket case, possessed of "seven devils," we read. Then she met Jesus. She had never encountered love such as was in Him. He could deliver her.
Thereafter she couldn't get enough of this agape. So when Jesus was a Guest in Martha's "house," Mary wanted to learn from Him all she could about the plan of salvation. Martha fussed at her for not helping more in the kitchen. Jesus would have gladly skipped the dessert! Two good women, but Mary had "chosen the better part," said Jesus. Now, don't let yourself "starve" while slaving in the kitchens of life!
From the "Dial Daily Bread" Archive: June 1, 2004.Copyright © 2010 by Robert J. Wieland.
Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.
------------------------------
Please forward these messages to your friends and encourage them to subscribe. The "Dial Daily Bread" Web site resides at: http://1888message.org/
To subscribe send an e-mail message with "subscribe" in the body of the message to: dailybread@1888message.org
------------------------------
Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" messages are availalbe via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.
