Poor Martha.  Trying to do her best and getting things out of perspective.  We’ve all done it.  But in her case, thanks to Luke, Jesus’ ruling on what might have been a private tussle between the two sisters becomes public property for the next two thousand years, and we, as she, learn what Jesus taught her.
Blessed Martha.  When Lazarus dies, she is the one who deserts the wake, rushing to meet Jesus far out from Bethany, while Mary “sat still in the house”.  Martha is the one who begged Christ “…I know, even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, he will give it thee.” (John 11:22)

I’ve been so busy today with preparing and leading worship that I’ve only just
(5.30 pm) read today’s verse. I have been involved in a lot of public prayer today - but neglected private prayer and the opportunity to be still and listen. Memo to self: must do better!

Only by keeping close to Jesus, (in our case through prayer), can we discern His will.  This is a reminder that there is nothing more important than doing God’s will.

I read your (reply)comment on 12th about giving up other plans to focus more on what God wants in Lent. very good comment, when you say God ‘muscled in’ do you mean compelling you to make more time in prayer or that you are listening more clearly with regard to some other course of action. I would be interested to know, if you read this.

A friend in church this morning was saying that she yearns for quiet so she can hear God’s voice. We live with constant noise , for me in Australia at present it is the contstant drone of the air conditioning. I feel as though I have no ‘peace time’. Noise is distraction, even subconsiously. And then I am always busy,like Martha but tonight we ate outside and were just quiet and listened to the night. God speaks through his creation. It was peaceful. Thank you God.

Today’s verse seems at first sight to be unfair. For the past week Luke through the words of Jesus has been challenging us to act. Yet today Martha is chided for acting rather than being passively attentive to Jesus’words. What we need to be aware of is the need to listen to the words of Jesus in quiet and in peace to learn to act and love well. It can be a hard message for those who like to be busy in action.

Dear God,
Thank you for your memo contained in the word of your Son this morning.I woke distracted ,but then you challenged me to focus on your plan for us all; to seek opportunties in our everyday lives to love as Christ taught us in the example these two sisters.
May we offer you this morning our open hearts in worship praise and thanksgiving trying to keep our eyes focused on your son our Lord.
“May we be rooted and established in love having power with those who went before us ,to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ and filled with the fullness of God.AMEN