Mary and Martha - Summer Rerun with a boost!

Summertime brings with it a more relaxed attitude and atmosphere. Unfortunately - it can also summons a spiritually lax demeanor.

How can you infuse your quiet time and Bible study with a fresh spiritual jolt? One way I can think of is to re-familiarize yourself with two very well known sisters: Mary and Martha. 

Two very different women who adored and reverenced the Lord Jesus are the center of our study. Here is some general background information regarding these famous siblings.

Six days prior to the Passover Jesus visited a family to which He had an endearing fondness. As He made his way to Jerusalem He was keenly aware of the fact that He would most likely not see them again.  His trek to their home was a welcomed diversion from the constant travel, and a reminder of the close familial ties that drew Him back.

Jesus and His disciples had been in the remote city of Ephraim, near the wilderness area surrounding the nearby countryside. They made their way to Bethany, home of Lazarus – the one whom Jesus raised from the dead.  Sisters Mary and Martha were always a familiar and comforting sight to our Lord as evidenced by His joyful arrival.

For an in-depth look at these famous sisters you can read my two previous blog posts here:    A Tale of Two Sisters Part 1  and  A Tale of Two Sisters Part 2  They will give you a greater insight into their relationship with Jesus and their unique personalities.  

We all exhibit glimpses of the two natures of Mary and Martha. Our Lord Jesus identified the more excellent part for which we should seek after. My reason for reintroducing these two blog posts is to stir our hearts and minds as to why the Lord commended Mary and affectionately chastised Martha.  Let this not be an occasion to malign or criticize Martha – but rather let us examine our own motives and reasons for why we either come to her defense or rally around Jesus' gentle rebuke.

In my book Mission Possible  -  Chapter 5 - Timing is Everything!  -  I feature an application from John 11. Martha had a powerful dialog with Jesus about her brother's death that left her wrestling with His Deity and His powerful declaration regarding death and the resurrection.

I have personally gone through "dry periods" - times when I had a desire to be more like Mary, and yet fell so short of my own expectations. 

When satan whispers my failures in my ear, I generally respond with a stern dismissal and press into God all the more. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. (James 4:8)

Rededicate yourself to the things of God and let each day bring fresh possibilities. New mercies abound freely, but condemnation is straight from the enemy of your soul.

Purpose to reconnect with God in a powerful, new way. Embrace your "Mary" and appreciate your "Martha" - for in both you are a well balanced and productive disciple and Christ follower.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”. It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together. 

Visit  http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

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Mary and Martha - Summer Rerun with a boost!