Hans Sangtoki Bible Reading: Luke 12:22-34, 10:38-42
“Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” (Luke 12:31-32)
Sometimes, anxious people hide their anxiety by being busy. This was the case for Martha. When Jesus came, Mary sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to what He had to say. On the other hand, Martha, who invited Jesus into her house, got distracted trying to serve Jesus by making Him feel welcome in her home. When Martha went to Jesus to complain about Mary, who was not helping, Jesus said some stunning words, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things” (Luke 10:41).
What was Martha anxious about? She was anxious that she wouldn’t be prepared enough to welcome Jesus. She was troubled with many detailed earthly matters that she missed to the whole point of Jesus’ visitation. Jesus continued speaking with Martha, “but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her” (Luke 10:42). Jesus came to earth to serve, not to be served. Jesus came to earth for sinners who need Him. Often, we fool ourselves into thinking we do not need Jesus because we are the ones serving Him. We are not the saviours! Jesus is our saviour, and we desperately need Him.
The root of Martha’s anxiety is often ours also. We are anxious that we will never be good enough for God. Yes, we are an abomination before God in our sin, and we deserve His full wrath. But at the same time, God loves us so much that He sent His Son to die for us! Jesus tells us the answer to all our anxiety in Luke 12:32, “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” God wants to reign in our sinful hearts! He wants to dissect our hearts of stone and give us hearts of flesh! He wants to reconcile us and bring us back into His family! He accepts us, He loves us, and He wants to rule over our lives once again so we can enjoy obeying Him forever!
So what is it that we will seek in our everyday lives? Will we turn to seek God’s kingdom in our hearts? Will we sit with Mary and listen to what Jesus has to say? Will we pursue treasuring Christ above all? This is our everlasting portion that will never be taken away.
“Prove yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also” (Luke 12:22-24).
Lord, forgive us for hiding behind our busyness. In truth, we always thought that we were good enough to please You with our works. Forgive our proud hearts. Please make us empty. Teach us what it means to hunger for righteousness. Teach us to know that You are the serving Saviour who we desperately need. Teach us to know Your love and to savour it that You may become the treasure of our hearts and that You may be King over our lives that we may obey You joyfully all our days. In Jesus’ name, amen.