Listen! by Kim Shoemaker

    Question: What would we do if Jesus came to our house?

    Seriously!

    Stop and think about what you would do if Jesus physically entered your house. What would you do?

    According to Luke 10:38-41, two women by the names of Martha and Mary experienced this very thing — Jesus was a guest in their home! No doubt, no two people would react the same to such a situation. From Luke’s account, we know Martha and Mary reacted very differently.

    Like many of us would have done, Martha was concerned to “entertain” the Lord (vs.40). “Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me.’”

    Put yourself in her place or put Jesus in your house today. What would you do? Perhaps like Martha — the best china, the best silverware, the best food, etc.

    But Martha’s sister reacted differently. Mary chose to sit down at the feet of her guest and listen. That’s it — “listen.”

    Now Jesus’ response to Mary’s listening certainly surprised Martha (vs.41)! “Martha, Martha, you are upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” The china won’t last, the silverware will rust, and the food will either be eaten up or rot, but words of wisdom from the Son of God himself can endure for a lifetime in the heart of the hearer.

    Have you invited Jesus into “the home of your heart” and listened to him today? Don’t let today be a one-sided conversation with God with you asking for this and that. Be still and listen. Drink in his words, and then live them.

Lord, help me to listen to you more and more intently each day. Let me see the many ways I can serve you today. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

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Copyright © 1999, Kim Shoemaker. Used by permission. Comments, questions & requests to be added to the e-mailing list for the Online Devotional may be sent to: <thedsmith@aol.com>.
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