Only One Thing?

S - "As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But 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!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”" (Luke 10:38-43 NIV)

O - Is there really only one thing which is needed for us earthlings? What would happen if the whole world chose to live like Mary? How would anything ever get done? The world (secular and religious) believes that this story points out an impractical side of Jesus' interaction and cautions all to not take his words, in this case, too seriously. The record of how Jesus lived and his interaction with practical human need "call out" this cultural lie and point of fear and intimidation. Culture says such a response will leave the world lacking and its adherents lazy and ultimately impoverished. It sides with Martha unequivocally. Fortunately, Heaven isn't intimidated and knows different. One thing really is needed and all who choose to actually believe Jesus about earth (John 3:11-12)  find that he does not impoverish but enriches; is directly connected with heaven and earth and makes the same connection for all who will so choose. Something greater than the Temple, than Solomon, than Jonah, than the Sabbath is here. The will of God REQUIRES God day by day … This is how Jesus and his first followers lived. It is how he wishes all who call on his name to live too. All won't but all could.

A - In this life I am now living this exchange struck me deeply as I keep following day by day. I am attempting to daily choose what is needed - more than a set time for reading and praying - an ongoing embrace of Jesus' words about earth … which require ongoing intervention from him (miracles) of the most practical order … and "orders" from him to uniquely partner with him on earth; which actually sees (in the context of Martha's complaint) "dinner served too."

P - Lord who lets us choose,

Thank you that Martha is no less loved than Mary. Thank you for engaging us in real relationship where the choices of both parties really do matter. I will keep following. Jesus, I do, and want to, choose the one thing which is needed. I choose you back.

All my love,

Steve

Focus: Person not Plan

S - Acts 11:19-21 (ESV): "Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except Jews. But there were some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, who on coming to Antioch spoke to the Hellenists also, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number who believed turned to the Lord."

O - The first followers of Jesus to "go into all the world" were not sent out by a religious group or even in some thought out, prayed about or organized way.  They followed the instruction of Jesus regarding persecution: "When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next … (Matthew 10:23 ESV)." Their going was not due to a prophetic word or spiritual strategy put together by the Apostles in Jerusalem. They were scattered. The result, however, was spectacular: "a great number believed and turned to the Lord." Those who believed were not confined to the religious culture of the Jews. As intended, the message from heaven was not limited to any one religion/culture. What was this message? The message, the Gospel, was and still, is a person. They presented "the Lord Jesus." They didn't offer creeds or historic events. They weren't trying to convert anyone to or from a particular religion. Instead they spoke to everyone concerning the Lord Jesus. Heaven didn't send a plan to earth. A person was sent who is the message. "“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son … (John 3:16 ESV)." According to Jesus there is only one way to the Father and that is through him (John 14:6); and there are currently 7.2 billion ways to Jesus.

A - I don't think these verses are forbidding us to think or plan or send out. I do think they must cause us to rethink many of the assumptions our own culture has groomed us in (literally to repent, i.e. to pursue and accept an ongoing transformation in our thinking to not be conformed to the pattern of this world). We're not saved by a plan. We're not adopted by God as his dearly loved children by what Jesus said or by what we think he said. The Scriptures do not save anyone and they do not bring us eternal life (John 5:39-40). We receive eternal life from Jesus. We are transformed by Jesus; the person not the concept. I will spend the rest of my life repenting … learning to think, speak, act and love like Jesus.

P - God who loves the whole world,

Thank you for sending Jesus and for calling us all to an ongoing transformation as dearly loved children. I admit there is so much about your ways that I do not understand and many things you allow that I do not like. Nevertheless, I am grateful to know the person of Jesus and that you are literally working everything, even bad things, for good. Thank you that life is a person and that your message, your good news, to the whole world is a person. When I see and hear him I see and hear you! I welcome everything that is already in your heart to do in me and through me. I do love you back.

I am saying this to you in Jesus' name,

Steve

God's Will or Ours?

S - Matthew 1:18-24 (NIV): "This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins." All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel"--which means, "God with us." When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife."

O - The Christmas Story not only reveals how Jesus came to earth but how heaven works with human beings.  Joseph and Mary are caught up in what God has already decided he would do.  They are not the initiators. They are asked to join the Lord in the plans he has; plans that require his direct involvement and activity. God's will always requires God.  The humans don't get it started and hope for God's agreement.  They are invited into what he is doing and asked for theirs.  Joseph does not help God, he cooperates with him.  This is the way of God on earth with earthlings.  

A - It's wonderful to know that God does have a will on earth that includes me and all my fellow citizens of earth.  His will is not something I do for him but with him. He does not require nor want my help.  Like any parent he wants my cooperation.  I am expected to rely on him for assigning me my part and for him doing his.  If I'm engaged in something that does not require his involvement and activity I'm missing my assignment; even if what I'm doing blesses and encourages others. 

P - Lord who is near and who acts on earth,

Thank you for wanting me to join you in what you already have in mind to do.  I want to stop helping you and completely cooperate with you.  Thank you for your desires and plans … and for wanting me to stay near you and cooperate.  I throw open the gates of my heart and say "speak Lord your servant is listening."

All my love,

Steve