Prayer by George Frederic Watts
Over the last few months I've been doing some studying on a couple of these Marys for a project I'm slowly working on, singularly focusing on their perspective when faced with difficult situations in their lives. In reasearching the Mary who is normally paired with her sister, Martha, I noticed a common theme in each of the three times she appears in Scripture.
Take for instance her first appearance in Luke 10:38, where we find Jesus entering into the house of Martha. And she had a sister called Mary which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard His words. You remember how Martha was cumbered about much serving and in frustration came to the Lord and asked, Dost thou not care that my sister hath let me alone to serve?
Surely the Lord would tell Mary her place was with her sister serving all of those who were there with Him.
Martha, Martha...our Lord begins...thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful, and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
The next time we see Mary and her sister is in John 11:1 when their brother, Lazarus, was sick. They quickly send word to Jesus in hopes that He would come immediately and heal him. But Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus (vs. 5)...and because He loved them, He abode two days still in the same place where He was. While Jesus tarried, Lazarus died, and Mary and Martha grieved for their loss.
Even before the Lord came into the city, He was met by Martha who stated: Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Overcome with grief, her tone is filled with unspoken accusation. Yet when Mary comes to where the Lord was she fell down at His feet (vs. 32)...and in falling at His feet, the Lord saw her weeping and those who came with her. He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.(Vs. 33)
In the very next chapter, Lazarus, recently raised from the dead, is sitting at supper with Jesus while his sister, Martha, is once again serving. And where do we find Mary? Annointing the feet of Jesus with a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly...and wiping His feet with her hair (vs 3). At this time we are just days away from His crucifixion.
Think for a moment: in all three instances Mary is found at the feet of Jesus. Whether it be listening to His words, grappling with grief and understanding, or worshipping Him for who He is...Mary had choosen that good part by simply being at His feet.
Over the last few weeks I've been reminded of the importance of being at Jesus' feet. Sometimes it's because I've needed instruction, while other times it's because I've sought comfort and rest. More often than not I find myself just kneeling, humbled by who God is, how much He loves me, and how undeserving I am of His love.
It seems that was Mary's favorite place to be. The result? Scripture records: Many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on Him. (John 11:45)...I'd say that's some testimony for a woman who made only three appearances in the Bible. Where? At the feet of Jesus.
Needing some perspective in your life? Follow Mary's example and fall at His feet. While you're there, you'll find help AND comfort AND grace...just like she did.
Simply Seeking Him,
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