The Martha Trap

Getting distracted like Martha                                          (Part 1)

All of us have differing ministries and gifts that the Spirit has distributed it to us according to His will. But we are all to be ministers of reconciliation in life. Some plant, some water, we know God gives the harvest. But we do need to be prepared (ready with an answer – 1 Peter 3:15). That means we really do need to get time in His Word always (John 8:31-32). Too often we allow other things to get in the way. They may be perfectly good things to do. We know Martha was doing nothing wrong, it was great she was going to prepare food for Jesus and His disciples.

But sometimes our serving might get overwhelming, and instead of spending time with Jesus we might be too busy doing. And then we are doing in our flesh likely, and just producing hay and stubble (1 Cor 3:9-16). Take a breather with Him.

Like Martha in Luke 10:38-42, she was distracted by her serving (troubled or worried about many things Jesus said). It’s not that she was doing wrong exactly, but she could have chosen the good part, the needed thing which would never be taken from her — dinner could have waited, or she could have listened and prepared with joy.

Now it happened as they went that He entered a certain village; and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house.  And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word.  But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.”

And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42

I used to think Mary was lazy and the story wasn’t fair. I see it with different eyes now. I can be like Martha, getting easily distracted by things we need to accomplish daily. Sometimes it can be so many things I’m wanting to do for Him. But I have to ask, am I as fruitful as I could be if I slow down, spend some time with Jesus in His Word, first, and let it all be done as unto Him and in His power instead of mine?

We’re going to get what we need to serve if we feed ourselves first. It’s like being the adult on the plane, and in an emergency when the O2 drops, your natural thought is to put the mask on your child first. But we are told to put it on ourselves first, so then we can help others.

It may not be the best example, but same goes with His Word. We have to be fed and strengthened in order to have anything for others. As you read Scripture, try to pray about not just letting your eyes travel the page. Ask Him to help you absorb and learn from what is said. Talk to Him as you go. It’s God’s approval that is what’s important (2 Tim 2:15) as you learn. Take the time to see what is there contextually. Read other Scriptures that may have something in common with the one you are reading (look at the relevant cross references). Search the Scriptures if you’re reading an article, look them up to see if what someone is telling you is true (Acts 17:11; 1 Thess 5:21). Get the multitude of counsel if you have questions (Prov 11:14) from people you trust, who have a clear gospel.

Twisting God’s Word

Daily I see people misuse passages badly. Some are just young in the Word. Others are wolves. Some have learned how to use ‘proof texts’ but haven’t considered context.  I’ve done it myself throughout the years. But as we learn to navigate His Word, we can humbly learn to ask important questions. Was it regarding a certain period of time (like captivity)? Past? Future? Or a little of both? Is it spoken to a certain people group, or is it to all? Does it deal with eternal life, our walk with God, or repercussions from breaking a bilateral Covenant (such as blessing or curses with Israel)? Is it spoken to believers in the church?

God said He magnifies His Word above His name (Ps 138:2). I pray that the ones I see misusing Scripture would learn to love, respect and tremble at His Word more (Psalm 119:140, 162; Isaiah 66:2). All of us need to handle His Word honestly (2 Cor 4:1-2). And in humility, not wise in our own opinion (Matt 23:12; Rom 12:16; 1 Pet 5:5-7). We need to be humbly aware that none of us have arrived, nor are we perfect (Phil 3:12-14).

If someone is handling the Word rightly, and you are wanting to hear the truth, I believe just like Isaiah 55:10-11, the Word is going to settle in the manner as the snow and the rain do from the heavens. You won’t be hammered with it, but it will provide bud of some kind — either food for you to eat, or seed for you to sow.

If they aren’t handling the word rightly, frequently there will be confusion. I’m not saying you cannot be confused by what someone says. It could simply because you don’t have a good, solid foundation in one area. I’m saying that someone ought to be able to lay out their case for you in His Word without using mental gymnastics, ten cent theological terms (with the wrong intent), or quoting other men, in order to make their case. Certainly, they should not ridicule, insult or mock you. Leave those people, they aren’t being obedient to 2 Timothy 2:23-26. 

Whatever you do, continue to follow this simple pattern seen in Scripture:

These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so. Acts 17:11

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. 1 Thess 5:21

Here are just a few things to remember we are blessed with from studying God’s Word. (please read to the end).

• Helps us to be prepared to give an answer for the hope within us – 1 Peter 3:15 (nothing better than seeing even one come to belief)
• His Word gives us life – Psalm 119:50; 2 Timothy 3:14-15; Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:17-18
• In time in study we are given Discernment between good and evil – Hebrews 5:12-14
• Guided and illuminated by it – Psalm 119:105, 130
• Helped with sin by memorizing and taking heed to it – Psalm 119:9-11
• Washed and sanctified by it – John 17:17; Psalm 119:160; Ephesians 5:26
• Taught and made to know the certainty of His Word when we apply ourselves to His knowledge – Proverbs 22:17-21
• We can receive God’s approval by our diligence in His Word – 2 Timothy 2:15
• We can be blessed by hearing and even reading His Word out loud – Revelation 1:3
• We can be revived and strengthened from His Word in the hardest times – Psalm 119:25,28
• His Word brings comfort and was written ahead of time for that reason – Romans 15:4 (really think on that kind of love).
• His Word gives us Hope – Psalm 119:49, 81, 114, 147
• His Word gives us wisdom and understanding – Psalm 119:98-100
• His Word is a Treasure we should love – Psalm 119:140,162
• His Word gives us joy – Psalm 119:111
• His Word gives us understanding – Psalm 119:104
• His Word is truth – John 17:17
• His Word is a Sword that penetrates – Heb 4:12
• His Word builds up our faith and our shield of faith – Rom 10:17; Eph 6:16

Of course, there are many other things we are blessed with in His Word. As you study, make your own list and add to it. Look it over throughout time in His Word and thank Him every time. As you study His Word, look at the many great things He has done throughout History (along with the many ways man has failed), and be thankful for the good and merciful, loving God who saved us. It was something Kings did, they would go back over the works of the Lord. We should remember to do the same.

We all need balance in life and especially our spiritual walk. Jesus knew to take time away from the crowd alone with His Father. We need to do the same. You know Proverbs 3:5-6 talks about us trusting on Him, and not our own understanding. Pray about acknowledging Him in more of your ways. I did that by trying to ask His help or direction in more areas (and I still fail). Get back up again, we’re going to do this till the end (Rom 7:24-25), but we’re going to do so much better with Him.

Know He is always there for you.

Answer me speedily, O Lord;
My spirit fails!
Do not hide Your face from me,
Lest I be like those who go down into the pit.
Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
For in You do I trust;
Cause me to know the way in which I should walk,
For I lift up my soul to You. Psalm 143:7-8

For this cause everyone who is godly shall pray to You
In a time when You may be found;
Surely in a flood of great waters
They shall not come near him.
You are my hiding place;
You shall preserve me from trouble;
You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:6-8

Pray and search through His Word when you need guidance. Trust in Him, for He is good.

Oh, and by the way, Mary, because chose the good part sitting at the feet off Jesus hearing His Word, she was blessed in that she understood what He was saying about the fact He would have to suffer and die. His disciples did not understand until later. But because of her choice to hear His Word, she was able to spend more time with her Savior, before He would give Himself in such great love. She anointed Him with fragrant oil on his feet for His burial. (see also John 11:2).

Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead.  There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him.  Then Mary took a pound of very costly oil of spikenard, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.

But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said,  “Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?”  This he said, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.

But Jesus said, “Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial. For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always.” John 12:1-9