We have been visiting the lives of Martha and Mary in a manner similar to that once popular television series “You Are There” with Walter Cronkite.
After a tiring walk to Bethany, Martha invited Jesus, and his disciples, into her home for needed refreshments and rest.
Shortly, Martha got upset with Mary. By Jewish culture, Martha was in charge of hospitality and, if the needs of the guests were extreme, Mary would be expected to pitch in. But, Mary was taken in by the presence of Jesus. As Jesus sat down, she did the unthinkable, joining Jesus up front, where she brazenly sat at his side. Jaws must have dropped that a woman would dare to not be standing in the back behind the men.
We know that serving the Lord, and others, is important, but of greater importance is closely listening to Jesus’ every word. It’s so typical to forget the Lord’s directions when in the moment. Like a flock of sheep, we think we have something all figured out, so we follow through with our wants and ideas, not the shepherd’s.
Now, the brother of Martha and Mary, a man named Lazarus, became dangerously ill. So, Martha and Mary hurriedly sent word to Jesus, saying, “Lord, he whom you love is sick.”
Martha and Mary desperately wanted Jesus to come immediately during that dire situation. If one was profoundly ill in those days, quickly losing strength, having a burning fever, and losing the ability to eat and drink, death appeared imminent.
Of great interest is the word “love” that the sisters used — phileo — in their message to Jesus. We know Jesus is God’s only son, the Savior of the world, that his love is unquestionable. Yet, the sisters said that Jesus loved Lazarus like a “brother” or “friend,” not in a divine sense. But, John the apostle corrected the sisters’ understanding of God’s love when he penned verse five: “Now Jesus loved (agape) all of them.” That word meant “divine, unmeasurable, complete.”
It is common for us to mislabel the love that God has for us or someone else. Let’s face it — we make mistakes, plenty of them. At times, we can boil over in anger and act, even with purpose, to denigrate ourselves or others. When cooling off, it is not uncommon for us to think that our Father is getting tired of our antics. And of course, Satan’s minions are right there to enhance our negative feelings.
In all, the driving issue is our lack of understanding what love is: God’s love, our love for others and ourselves. We allow our feelings to modify what love really is.
After all, does God really love us or that particular person that we deem loathsome?
In God’s Word, love is continually presented because we need a constant reminder to remove the collecting dust. Like a needed housecleaning, we don’t see the dust until we run our finger through it. Dust just finds us no matter our intentions to rid it from our life. It subtly covers our understanding of God’s love, the love we should have for one another and ourselves. It’s imperative that we refresh ourselves daily.
The Lord hasn’t made us helpless; from the very beginning he made us with the ability to see and hear him. It falls upon us to, as it were, pay attention and heed his voice. Proverbs 20:12 states, “The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made both of them.” In the New Testament, the Lord again reminds us of such, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand …” (Luke 8:8; Revelation 2:17).
Yet, “stuff” happens. We can inwardly limp into church, group Bible studies, and family/friend gatherings with a forced smile. The Lord knows we are frustrated, at our wits end, frazzled with yucky thoughts and feelings. But, like it clearly says in Psalm 57:10, “Your unfailing love is as high as the heavens. Your faithfulness reaches beyond the clouds.” No matter our circumstances, the Lord is there, not keeping score but overflowing with his limitless love.
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to him. Always the “in-charge” sister, she showed her frustration, he arrived “late” and her brother was now long dead. She pointed out that if Jesus had been “on time,” her brother would have lived.
What we miss when examining the sisters is that Martha showed what some would call “angry, mournful behavior.” She knew thoroughly who Jesus was, but there was intense anger and bewilderment in her. When she met him, the word “met,” when fully examined, had a military flavor with some haranguing. Remember, as the oldest sister she was always in charge.
Mary, on the other hand, fell at Jesus’ feet in a mixture of anguish and worship.
She was fully prostrate, realizing his divinity and her humanity. Now, before we rush to judgment comparing the sisters, there are points to consider.
We all, in life, have moments of despair, anguish and anger when we petition Jesus for immediate help but “see” what we think are no results. Our temperament can play into the situation. One feels an immediate need that better be answered our way. Another sees the need yet, in anguish, still recognizes the Lordship of Jesus.
We have all raised a verbal fist at God: He didn’t care. Unprintable thoughts ran through our heads. At other times we still knew he was God but needed to vent our anguish. In both circumstances, God’s love is unfailing, unmeasurable, beyond our comprehension. He will always hold and gently restore us. Some call it “God hugs.”
Always remember the one lost sheep that is missing from the flock. The other 99 still remain in the flock, but Jesus will always seek us when we feel lost, abandoned and ignored. Do you need a “God hug”? His arms are open wide.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
