“The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul.” PSALM 23:1-3

When having people into my home, I’d often set the bar too high, working like I was trying to win an entertainment competition. I’d end up unable to focus on enjoying my guests. Talk about missing the mark! Finally, my husband and I decided to take a new approach to hospitality. In order to give more attention to our company than to food preparations, we now make meals ahead of time and simply re-heat them before our guests arrive.

In Luke’s account of the Mary and Martha story, we hear Jesus’ gentle rebuke to a Martha who may have been as frazzled as you and I have been at times. She pressured herself to offer more than necessary, engaging with the many preparations rather than engaging with her guest, the Savior Himself.

Jesus hungered as we do, but because we have a relational God, Jesus’ interest was more in fellowship with His friends than in the food. When we are “worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41), it’s hard to be present or even be efficient in the work we do. Simplify life. Choose Jesus!

SCRIPTURE FOCUS

LUKE 10:38-42

 INSIGHT

“‘MARTHA, MARTHA,’ THE LORD ANSWERED, ‘YOU ARE WORRIED AND UPSET ABOUT MANY THINGS, BUT ONLY ONE THING IS NEEDED’” (V. 41-42). COMMUNION WITH JESUS BRINGS PEACE.

 READ THE BIBLE

GENESIS 29-30 | PSALM 15 | MATTHEW 23

Anchor is provided courtesy of Haven Ministries Canada.