March 17, 2019
A Journey to Easter
Just as He Said…
Attitude of the Heart…
Just as He Said…
“The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things, he said…” Luke 9:22 NLT
There is no doubt that Jesus knew about His transition…He knew what awaited Him as He ministered for three years on this earth, and embarked on His final Journey to Jerusalem. He knew about the upcoming events which would change the world and would change eternity. He knew about the battle He would experience, and was assured of the Victory He had come to earth to achieve…The Time for Change and Transition, planned long ago by Yahweh, His Father, the One True God.
And in these months and days of His journey on earth, He chose to spend His time with people: His disciples, followers, friends, the crowds and multitudes of bedraggled, hopeless, forgotten, rejected, law-breakers, sinners, outcasts, hypocrites, liars, loveless and broken people, lonely and desperate women, men, and children…those wishing and hoping for change…crying out and pleading for a Savior, a Redeemer, a Rescuer…Yes, my friends, our names could have been on this list…And then, I remember the day when Jesus Came for me…my name was on the list of ones desperate for a Savior…and I suspect your name was there too. Jesus came to change the Attitude of our Hearts…
Jesus…The Kingdom Builder-The People Builder
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught.” Luke 11:11:38-39 NLY
Until the day of His death on the cross, it is estimated that Jesus walked from 15,000-21,000 miles in His life-time. As He made His many trips to Jerusalem to celebrate the Jewish Festivals and to teach people, He frequented a small, obscure village called Bethany, which means House of Affliction. Bethany was located on the southern slope of the Mt. of Olives, east of Jerusalem and was a community where the poor, needy, and sick outcasts made their home. The road between Bethany and Jerusalem took about one hour to walk, allowing Jesus to leave Jerusalem and its populous, and retreat to the home of close friends, as He prepared for change and transition in His life for the sake of those He came to save.
The Gospel of Luke records one of the visits when Jesus and His Disciples were welcomed into the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. The news of their arrival in the village certainly would have generated excitement as plans were made for their guests and for the meal which they would serve. No doubt, Martha would want to impress her guests…after-all, this was Jesus, who loved the people of her small village…and they adored Him.
“But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40
I confess that it is so easy for me to be horrified by the actions of Martha. But, a pain of conscience shoots through my heart, and I become contrite-Why? Because, I have been Martha. I have welcomed and invited Jesus to come into my day…only to become distracted by busyness-like Martha…
Focusing on my own agenda, I have interrupted God when He desired for me to sit with Him so He could speak to me through His Word. I have been like Martha…
I have told Him what to do when I insisted on doing things my way…on having my way-like Martha…
I have put on my fussy pants to dash out of the kitchen to make a spectacle, calling attention to my self-righteous service-like Martha…
I have felt frustration at family members when they have been still and sensitive to God and I have been self-absorbed…like Martha…
Perhaps you can identify-I think we all can. And, for that reason, Jesus spent His precious time on this earth with this family and thousands of others so they too would know about the good things, the Truth that matters most…the Truth about why Jesus came…
“But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her. ”Luke 10:41
My friends, I have often wondered what Jesus was teaching Mary as she sat as His Feet. We find the answer to that question when we open our Bibles to the Red-Letter Words of Jesus, and everything He spoke to people who needed change in their hearts. The truth…there is a bit of Mary and Martha in all of us, and Jesus teaches us how to live, how to serve, and how to love…Just as He Did…Just as He Said.
As we Journey to Easter, I pray that each one of us will be like Martha and welcome Jesus into our hearts and our homes. And, I pray we will sit and be still like Mary and listen to Jesus as He desires to change the Attitude of our hearts to reflect His Truth and His Love to the world and for the world, beginning in our own hearts and in our own homes. May we will Trust Him, and Believe Him…
Everything is and will be…Just as He Said…
Jesus knew what awaited Him…and He chose to come and to offer Himself to
Change the Attitude of our Hearts for Eternity!
Easter Blessings!
Love you in Jesus,
