Taking time to be still
Passages: Luke 10:38-42
Preacher: Laura Nelson
On one occasion Jesus came to the home of Martha, Mary, and Lazarus located in the town of Bethany. Jesus was there with his disciples
As hospitality was important in their culture Martha was anxiously working to prepare a meal for everyone.
Mary wanted to hear what Jesus was teaching and ended up sitting at Jesus feet along with the disciples soaking up every word
Martha was upset over this for two reasons:
First she expected Mary to help with the work
And second Mary was going against cultural norms. In the 1st century women were not taught by Rabbis. Sitting at the feet of a Rabbi, being their disciple was only something for men. But Jesus broke all cultural norms and had welcomed everyone. All were welcome to follow and learn from Him.
Jesus responded to Martha saying:
“Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.”
Jesus wants us to put Him first. To take the time to be still. To know Him. And then out of that knowing doing the work that needs to be done.
Jesus demonstrated this in how he lived his life. He took time away to pray. He didn’t let the pressures and expectations of others take away from what was important: that of seeking His father first and His will.
As we think about Jubilee, notice that what comes before Jubilee is Sabbath. Sabbath is stopping from work. Taking the time to focus on God, learning and listening to Him, letting go of all the demands and focusing on Him.
Jesus wants a relationship with us. This doesn’t mean we don’t do things for Him, but that we focus on Him first. That our actions flow out of relationship. What comes first is to seek God, to sit at His feet, to listen and follow His direction.
As we come away with Him we learn to live freely and lightly.
Questions
Do you find it a challenge to take time and be still with God? If so, what distracts you from spending time with Him?
On Sunday we sang about God’s goodness and His faithfulness. What are some other things you can celebrate about Him?
When you hear the word “Sabbath”, what comes to mind? Do you have some misconceptions as to what this really means?
How do you think God would like to see you weave taking time to be still, learning and listening to Him, in your life?
