Pastor's Thoughts June 15, 2009

PASTOR JACK'S THOUGHTS    June 15, 2009 This morning I was thinking about Mary and Martha and the incident that happened that we have used concerning the difference in their personalities. The story is found in Luke 10:38-42. Martha, upset with serving, sees Mary sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to His words. She scolds Jesus and says, "Tell her to help me." Note the scripture says in Greek that "she was distracted by much serving." Jesus told her that she was "anxious and disturbed about many things, but Mary has chosen the good part and it is not to be taken from her".   People use as an example, that servers (people like Martha) are not important, and the ones who listen (those like Mary) are more important. This false teaching goes against scripture, "Be doers of the word and not hearers only," says the book of James. Jesus is teaching us that we don't need to fret and worry when we serve. He is teaching Martha that there is a time to listen, also.   The Transfiguration of Jesus is another example. Here, Peter is awed by this experience and wants to do something.  Peter says to Jesus, "Let us build three altars, one for YOU, and one for Moses, Elijah." Then, God speaks from heaven and says "This is my beloved Son, hear Him." Here God the Father is rebuking Peter. The message is that there is a time to serve and there is a time to pray and study. We see Jesus serving long hours and also spending time in prayer and study for many hours as well. We just need to hear Him in both of them.   We must conclude that both service in Jesus Name and also listening to Him are very important.  This week, seek a balance in your life to study God's Word and link that with ministry to others also!   Choosing to listen and serve Him, Pastor Jack   Jack L. Martin