Devotionals

The Guilt Trip

by Terry Barlow
04/10/14
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Not to pick on Martha but what a blatant guilt trip she attempted to throe (or throw) upon Jesus in Luke chapter 10 beginning verse 40. “Don’t you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?” She doesn’t leave it there either but goes on even to tell him what to do! “So tell her to give me a hand.” Oh – Oh, she’s getting in deeper and deeper, as we all do at one time or another.   But the response of Jesus manifests his love for her. First of all, though, he doesn’t accept the guilt; a reminder that no one can “make” us feel guilty unless we allow it through our own choice to do so. He says more through how he uses her name than probably anything else he says, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things but only one thing is necessary.” There is no anger in his voice. So much of the world is scurrying and speeding to and fro, worried and upset over many things, occupying itself so diligently and energetically with what really doesn’t matter in the long run. Mary had chosen the good portion, otherwise understood as the main course. That’s the central part of the meal that really nourishes and sustains us.  Sitting at the feet of Jesus, attuned to his voice, centered on Jesus. That is what nourishes because the Good Shepherd KNOWS how to nourish his sheep. “Nourish” has been wonderfully defined as “to feed to the point of maturity.” Martha might have replied, “But you won’t get a meal at this rate.” To which Jesus might say something like, “No, but that isn’t the primary purpose of my being here, but rather to feed YOU and Mary so that you grow strong on a deeper level.” That kind of food and the growth and strength that flow from it will never be taken from us. It’s eternal!