Flesh It Out (06/18/17)

Read Luke 1:5-32.

Both Zechariah and Mary receive a message from an angel.  Both encounter the same angel.  Both angelic pronouncements involve the birth of a child.  Both Zechariah and Mary ask a similar (not identical) question to the angel.  Zechariah is reprimanded, yet Mary is not. Why?

Mary & Martha (Lu. 10:38-42)

Read Luke 10:38-42.

• Contrasts
• Mary stayed seated, focused on listening, and said nothing.
• Martha got up and down, focused on doing, and complained about Mary.
• Similarities
• They were sisters.
• They both sat at Jesus' feet and heard Him.
• Mary never got up but kept on listening.
• Martha got up to serve, which suggests that her initial posture was the same as Mary's.
• Observations
• This appears to have been Martha's house.
• Jesus didn't say Martha's service was unnecessary or unappreciated.
• No words were spoken by Mary.
• Lessons
• The issue might not be the issue.
• Martha thought the issue was Mary's neglect and selfishness.
• Jesus said the issue was Martha's anxiety and agitation.  Jesus knows your heart and will call you on what's inside it!
• It is easier to serve than to listen.
• Beware the distraction of doing!
• Listening requires delight and discipline.
• Just because something is helpful doesn't mean it is necessary.
• It is easier to monitor someone else's not serving than it is to monitor your own soul.
• Jesus said Martha was anxious and troubled about many things.  Some people attempt to ignore or minimize their lack by keeping busy.

When There is Much To Do (Lu. 10:38-42)

Read Luke 10:38-42.

When there is a lot to do, stop and do nothing.  Give your hands and feet a rest and exercise your ears and heart.  Be with Jesus, not just near Him.  Serve Him by listening to Him, not just by doing things. Don't mistake convenience for necessity. Sitting at Jesus' feet isn't squandered time unless you fail to do what He says.  Expect the driven ones, the distracted ones, not to understand.  They will see you as lazy and unmotivated.

When today will you invest extravagant time with Jesus?

Clarification -- Distraction to Obedience? (Lu. 1:18, 34)

Read Luke 1:18, 34.

Both Zachariah and Mary received a word from an angel.  Both responded with a question.  Mary's question wasn't more spiritual than Zachariah's, yet he suffered a consequence and she did not.  He was indicted for unbelief, she wasn't.  What does this tell us about the nature of faith and unbelief?

Perhaps the answer is found in verse 38.  Mary lacked understanding of details.  Nonetheless, the spoken word was enough.  She questioned, yet submitted.  Zachariah wanted more detail, more understanding before he would believe.  He questioned, yet did not submit.

When God brings you a word (direction, insight, counsel, rebuke, etc.) through the method He chooses, it is not wrong to want to verify it.  He doesn't want you following a word that isn't from Him.  What He minds is our seeking continued clarification as nothing more than excuse for inactivity, disobedience and unbelief.

Martha's Mistakes (Lu 10:38-42)

Yesterday's reading was Luke 10-12.

1. Martha made the mistake of thinking that sitting still accomplishes nothing. Sometimes, you just have to stop. Does the word "sabbath" mean anything?
2. Martha made the mistake of thinking that being with Jesus is less important than doing for Jesus (Mk 3:14 > Jesus selected the 12 "to be with Him."). It's amazing how those other tasks will still be there after worship!
3. Martha made the mistake of thinking that the meal mattered more to Jesus than Mary. People first, projects second. The greatest service you can offer Jesus is your unhurried, undistracted attention.
4. Martha made the mistake of thinking that Jesus is fair. Jesus isn't fair. He's not interested in equal distribution of everything. He is interested in what He knows is best for each of His followers. Mary needed the reassurance she'd chosen wisely. Martha needed the rebuke. Jesus loved them both (Jn 11:5).