Monday October 4, 2021

Today is Monday, October 4 and this week we are exploring how the Bible encourages us to grow as disciples of Jesus Christ.

As I enter a time of prayer, I pause and become still. I quiet my busy mind and calm my thoughts. I breathe deeply and slowly, and center myself upon the presence of God.

Pause and Pray

Father God, I long to be in your presence during these first fifteen minutes of my day. I want to hear your voice in my life. Speak to my heart and mind the message you have for me. Come Holy Spirit, show me how I can closely follow Jesus Christ, my Lord and Savior. Amen.

Today I praise the Living God and seek his presence with the words of Psalm 119.

I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you, Lord: teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12

Pause and Pray

I want to grow as a disciple of Jesus. I long to be taught his truths, treasure his words, and learn his commands and decrees. I aspire to sit at the feet of Jesus and soak in his truths. During the last three months of his earthly life, Jesus frequented an area east of Jerusalem known as Perea. When the time of his suffering, crucifixion and death approached, he set his face toward Jerusalem and traveled on foot west toward the Holy City.

Luke 9:51 says, “When the days drew near for him to be taken up, he set his face to go to Jerusalem.” During these last days he utilized precious time to preach, teach and heal. On their way to Jerusalem he and the disciples stopped in Bethany, at the home of Mary and Martha.

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. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “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 10:38-42

Jesus often visited Bethany. The village was the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, and where Lazarus was raised from the dead (John 11:1-44). Bethany was a place that provided refuge for Jesus and his followers from imposing crowds and threats of the authorities – a place of peace, a haven for rest. Bethany was located two miles east of Jerusalem at the foot of the Mount of Olives. It is where Jesus stayed overnight during his final week of earthly ministry – the days between Palm Sunday and the crucifixion, he and the disciples returned every evening to rest at Bethany.

In this passage, Mary sits at the feet of Jesus listening to his teaching. Sitting at the feet of a rabbi was a posture of learning that was reserved exclusively for men. Jesus gently rebukes Martha’s decision to prepare an elaborate meal for him, a simple meal (one dish) is sufficient for hospitality. Jesus approves Mary’s preference for listening to his teaching thereby accepting a woman as a disciple and learner. Alongside Mary and Martha, I am also invited to sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from him daily.

Ask: How high of a priority do I place on studying the scriptures? How much time do I spend sitting at the feet of Jesus, reading his words in the gospels and learning from him?

Pause and Pray

Holy Lord Jesus, like Mary, I treasure the opportunity to sit at your feet and learn from you. Help me to see how I am distracted by many tasks and worried and upset about many things. Show me the one thing that is needed, time in your presence. Help me to choose the better way of resting with you, sitting at your feet, soaking in the Spirit and learning from you. I read the words from Luke’s gospel again, slowly and deliberately. Show me what you wish to teach me about myself today.

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. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “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 10:38-42

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

Where do I find myself in today’s scripture? Am I walking with Jesus as the disciples did, making my way to Jerusalem and the cross? Am I like Martha, welcoming Jesus into my home, opening the door for him to enter, wanting to offer him my very best? Do I spend my time busily working to serve Jesus? Do I find myself distracted, worried, or upset by many things? I pause and consider my list of worries and concerns. Does my busy life cause me to have negative emotions or become cross about the behaviors and choices of others? Perhaps I am like Mary, spending time sitting at the feet of Jesus. Have I chosen time to be with him and learn from him? What does it look like to sit at the feet of Jesus? How does Jesus want me to spend time in his presence?

I imagine Mary’s perspective. I kneel quietly on the earthen floor as Jesus reclines in a simple chair. I look up into his eyes and listen attentively to his voice. He is speaking truth and revealing the mysteries of the world. He teaches me the way to live my life, answers every question and resolves every doubt. I am thankful for the privilege and opportunity. I treasure this time soaking in his word.

Pause and Pray

Blessed Lord Jesus, I open the door of my heart to you, I welcome you into my home. I set aside all distractions, I lay down my worries and concerns, I put away my agenda, I choose the better way. I choose to spend precious time with you. Speak to me Lord, I treasure time to sit at your feet and gaze at your countenance. I listen for your living word spoken into my life. Amen.

I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path. Psalm 119:102-105

As I leave this time of prayer and go throughout my day, I make a new commitment to study the words of Jesus and spend time sitting at his feet. Show me how to live my life loving Jesus and loving others. Amen.