One of the best experiences I have had in taking a solo long-haul flight was being upgraded to first class without me requesting it. I was just there in my seat with my stuffed easter bunny, and the flight attendant came to tell me I can sit upfront. Wow. How fun could it be right? They use real glasses and utensils, snacks are on demand, and the space that I have? I cannot begin to rave about it.
In Jesus’ time, there was also one lady who was just so happy about the seat she got. She was right there by the feet of Jesus, listening to what He had to say, and with wide eyes she savored every story He had to tell. Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, was so starstruck about having THE Rabbi visiting their house that she failed to help her sister serve food to Jesus and His disciples.
“Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching.” Luke 10:38-39
The great thing about it is that Jesus did not mind at all. Martha who was so busy serving the visitors, was so frustrated with her sister that she asked Jesus to tell Mary to help her out. But our Lord and Savior hushed Martha and told her that what Mary chose to do is much better than being too busy to listen.
“But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:41-42
As present-day followers of Jesus, we always have the opportunity to sit by the feet of Jesus every single day. It is just that the cares of our day-to-day lives: our jobs, our families, our hobbies, and our concerns, keep us from seeing that empty space next to our Savior.
We say our hurried prayers, we read the bible without truly reflecting on its message, and we go through our day without even discerning what God may want to tell us for the day. We forget that the most important thing we must do everyday is to praise Him, thank Him, and ask for His guidance and protection.
“Like newborn babies, you must crave pure spiritual milk so that you will grow into a full experience of salvation. Cry out for this nourishment,” 1 Peter 2:2
When we become too self-sufficient, we tend to push God away from our lives. We become too busy for Him, and we would only remember Him on Sundays when we come to worship. We would say a brief “thank you Lord” upon receiving a blessing then that’s it. But that is not how we strengthen the only constant relationship we can ever keep in this lifetime.
We must continue to be zealous about nurturing a close relationship with God by praying to Him daily, knowing more about His character by reading and reflecting on the Bible, and seeking and worshipping Him alongside fellow believers.
“Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Isaiah 55:6-7
When we seek Him first, we will get to align with His will and live the best life He has planned for us. A life that is marked with God’s peace and meaningful moments and relationships with our family and loved ones.
When we endeavor to spend time with God every single day. we would possess the unshakeable faith that could help us weather inevitable storms in our lives. We could possess the peace that only God can give, because we have assurance of His loving mercy, and the blessing of a living hope that we get to find whenever we are in the best seat in the house — right at the feet of Jesus.
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.” Psalm 62:5-8
Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on Luke 10:38-42 and Psalm 62 to dig deeper on today’s topic.
Reflection Question: Have you ever taken the best seat in your house? The one where you get to read and reflect on God’s word and pray to Him?
Conversation with the Lord: Heavenly Father, thank you for giving us the daily opportunity to come to you in prayer and to listen to what you have to say. Sorry for the times when we pass up this opportunity because of the worldly things that pre-occupy us. Give us the confidence to continue to draw near you and seek You and Your words. Amen.
