Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Week 42 - Day 4

Luke 9-10; Proverbs 16

*Click here to read these passages:

“No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” – Luke 9:62

In Luke 9, verses 57-62 Jesus’ responses to three potential followers make it clear that in order to follow Him we have to choose what is important (following Him) and not worry about the details.  These potential followers wanted to follow Jesus but were worried about other things they needed to do … I guess this is why “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.”  Here is The Message translation of what Jesus said in Luke 9:62, “No procrastination.  No backward looks.  You can’t put God’s kingdom off till tomorrow.  Seize the day.” 

I see this same message of – choose what is important and don’t worry about the details – in the story of Mary and Martha in chapter 10.  Jesus is in the home of two sisters Mary and Martha.  Mary sat at the feet of Jesus listening to Him, hanging on His every word.  She was desperate for His presence and His teaching.  Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She complained to Jesus and asked Him to tell Mary to help her.  (I think this is kind of funny – the whiny sister who is tattling!)  Jesus’ response is one of my favorite parts of all the gospels.  “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

I’ve confessed on the blog before that I am very much a worrier … I stress over little details and sometimes loose sight of the big picture.  I can hear Jesus’ voice saying to me, “Emily, Emily, you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Choose me … seek my presence, my teaching, and my will and stop worrying about the rest."

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