Sit with him
by Pastor Reid Matthias
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But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to (Jesus) and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ (Luke 10:40).
Read Luke 10:38–42
Admit it. Every one of us has either spoken those words aloud or shouted them inside our heads when one of our siblings, cousins, or workmates has taken the easy (read ‘lazy’) way out. We address an authority to come down hard and make that person help, right? And while they’re at it, can that authority give me some accolades for doing all the tough work?
Here’s another admission. Martha’s words don’t just apply to cleaning or cooking or working, I have at times said this to Jesus when it feels like super-martyr-me is doing all the God stuff while everyone else is going to the beach. ‘Jesus, don’t you care that everybody else is slacking off while I work by myself? Tell them to help me!’ And while you’re at it, can you announce to them when they come back that I’ve been the most faithful one all along?
When I read this Bible story about Jesus’ closest friends, two sisters and their brother Lazarus, I secretly cheer for Martha every time. It’s the fairest way of looking at things. Once the work is done, THEN we can all settle in for story time with Jesus.
Thankfully, Jesus does not berate Martha, but he gives a different perspective, one that she can hold onto. Only one thing is needed and important at that moment: to be with Jesus. All the other good works that feel important, the religious tasks, slaving over devotions, cooking up some good prayers, cleaning out the spiritual closets, serving worship at church – all these are great things – but only one thing is needed to experience eternal life: Him.
Set down your good works for a while and sit with Jesus. Be with Jesus. Listen to him. It’s a restful new perspective.
Jesus, your words and life are amazing. Give me hope and rest as I listen and search for you. Amen.
Reid Matthias is the school pastor at St Andrews Lutheran College in Tallebudgera, Queensland. Reid is married to Christine, who, together with their three incredible daughters, Elsa, Josephine, and Greta, have created a Spotify channel (A 13) where they have recorded music. Reid has recently published his seventh novel, A Miserable Antagonist, maintains the blog ireid.blogspot.com and regularly contributes to The Lutheran magazine.
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