Captivated at His Feet
Sit down! These words often echo through classrooms, as teachers beckon their unruly students to sit “crisscross applesauce” during reading time. They can be heard when a guest enters a home, as the host warmly offers them a chair. And, at the delivery of bad news, people say “you might want to sit down for this” to ensure that the shock of the news does not evoke fainting!
This phrase reminds me of a story in the Bible involving two sisters. One sister sat, while the other sister served:
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.” (Luke 10:38-39)
Like Martha, I love to plan events, throw parties, and open my home to others. There is a thrill of excitement that comes with preparing centerpieces, adorning tables, and finding the perfect décor to embellish a room! I can imagine that, like me, Martha’s to-do list was a mile long, as she cooked, cleaned, and assembled everything that would be needed for Jesus’ arrival!
But, Scripture continues: “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Martha was doing a good thing – she was serving! But, she was doing it at the wrong time.
In this moment, Jesus didn’t want Martha to be serving, He wanted her to be sitting.
You see, a good hostess doesn’t just serve. She doesn’t just prepare the food and clean the house. A good hostess comes to the door when the guest arrives, locks eyes with them, and says, “I’ve been preparing for this moment for a long time. Everything in this room was done with you in mind. Now that everything is ready, let’s sit down.”
Yes, serving matters. In fact, Jesus doesn’t just suggest serving, He commands it. But, in this moment, what was the one thing that mattered? Sitting at His feet.
Martha was preoccupied – Mary was present.
Martha was distracted – Mary was devoted.
Martha was worried – Mary was worshipful.
Martha was encumbered with busyness – Mary was enthralled with the King’s beauty.
Martha was focused on the preparations – Mary was focused on the Person in the room.
Mary chose the most important thing – Martha missed it.
So, today, in the middle of your to-do lists, tasks, errands, and chores…sit down! Like Mary, choose to spend time with the most important One in the room. Soon, you will stand up and serve His people again. But for now, don’t miss this holy moment to sit CAPTIVATED at His feet.