Love for Martha. Love for Me

I have been thinking and studying the story of Martha since it was discussed in Relief Society this past Sunday. The story is only in the book of Luke (Luke 10:38-42).

38 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.
39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

In my past experiences with this story, I always thought that Jesus was teaching Martha of His importance. He is the priority and we need to focus on Jesus always. In the past few days, I made a deep realization that this story is not focused on Jesus at all. This is Martha's story. She was feeling overwhelmed in her giving. She wanted to make sure that everything was ready for the Savior's stay (meals, bedding, etc.) and asked for help. She was left alone to accomplish this great service.  (I reread 40 and 41 several times) The Lord responded with saying her name TWICE (which I don't think happened anywhere else in the Bible or Book of Mormon). I felt the love in those words. Martha... Martha, you are so worried. You do not have to feel stuck. You do not have to feel alone. Your sister needed spiritual strength and chose to act on that. Martha, do you not see, do you not see that spiritual strength for yourself is more important than being overwhelmed in serving others? Strengthen yourself. Let yourself be uplifted. Then choose to serve, serve with all that renewed strength.



I felt so strongly that this story was for me. I am loved. I am not stuck. I am not alone. Taking care of others has become my life and I have lost myself in worries and being overwhelmed in trials. I need to find more time to study the gospel and to pray. It is amazing how messages in the scriptures can be so directed! I feel renewed today.



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