Silver or gold? | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: Silver or gold? | Previous Challenge Entry
By Charla Stilling
02/06/05
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Silver or gold?
All scripture references are taken from the KJV

The portrait painted of Martha and her sister Mary is one of the most beautiful in the gallery of God’s word. In Luke 10:38-42 we see the distinct differences in Martha and Mary.
Martha has often been labeled as one of a carnal nature and Mary as one who pursued after the things of the spirit. Was the obedience of Martha as unto silver while Mary went for the gold?
Luke10:38 tells us that Martha received him (Jesus) into her house. Martha was hospitable. In Luke, 10:40 we are told Martha was cumbered about with much serving. The word cumbered means to be distracted. The obedience Martha had in providing for her guests would have been truly appreciated.
Martha comes to Jesus with her complaint. Dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her, therefore, that she help me. Jesus, aware of her desire to please Him, answers her in love. Luke 10:41 Martha, Martha, yet, he also reproves her by telling her, thou art anxious and troubled about many things. Martha had allowed her service to become her distraction.
Next, we meet Martha in John chapter 11, the account of Lazarus’ death. Then Martha, as soon as she heard Jesus was coming, went and met him. The dialogue between The Lord and Martha in John 11:21-27 is without price. Lord, If thou hadst been here, my brother had not died, but I know that even now, whatever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it to thee. Jesus declares His deity and power even over death. Martha is asked by the Lord in vs.26 Believest thou this? Again, we are shown the depth of Martha’s faith, vs.27 Yea Lord; I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, who should come into the world.
Martha questions The Lord concerning the opening of the grave due to the fact Lazarus had been dead for four days. John11:40 Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? We can all relate to the attitude of Martha when we question The Lord repeatedly even after He has proven himself faithful.
Our last look at Martha comes in John 12:2. Witnessing the Glory of God in the raising of her brother brought her to a place of peace with her work, allowing her to serve and enjoy “That Good Part.” She is no longer concerned with the work of her sister, or with the fact that she is serving alone.
Mary of Bethany.
In Luke, 10:39 One reference to Mary tells how she sat at Jesus’ feet and heard His word. It is hard to conceive how tempting it would have been to leave the chores of every day life and go hear the living, breathing Word of God.
In Luke 10:42 Jesus says, Mary hath chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her. What a wonderful example Mary has given for us to follow. The desire of the spirit followed by the action of the body and affirmed by the Lord never to be taken away.
Next, we see her in John chapter 11 at the account of Lazarus’ death. Unlike Martha, Mary remained in the house upon Jesus’ arrival. Jn.11:20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming went and met him; but Mary sat in the house. Her disposition seems to be that of a meek and quiet spirit, waiting upon the Lord.
Now we come to the most exquisite portrayal of love, the anointing of Christ by Mary of Bethany. In Mt.26:13 The Lord records for her a legacy, wherever this Gospel shall be preached in the whole world, there shall also this, that this woman hath done, be told for a memorial of her.
Christ taught Mary and Martha to work their obedience in gold. We can learn from their example to turn our obedience to the Lord. Our service will be recognized as gold with the right attitude of heart.

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