“But only a few things are necessary, really only one… (Luke 10:42).”
A thankful Julia Child
“I have learned to kiss the wave that throws me against the Rock of Ages.” What did the great preacher Charles Spurgeon mean by this? Our answer is two miles from Jerusalem, in a small town called Bethany, where Luke, the Gentile doctor, probably the only Gentile author of a New Testament book, records a clue for us.
Jesus stayed in Bethany several times at the home of two sisters, Martha and Mary. Luke records it in his Gospel in chapter 10, and there’s a lot to glean, but the point to catch, the paramount lesson, is this…don’t be so busy and worried with life that you ignore Jesus.
The older sister, Martha, reproved Mary, who was not helping her with all the kitchen preparations for their important guest…appearing to be lazy for just sitting around “listening to the Lord’s word, seated at His feet.” But Jesus corrected His hostess. “You are worried and bothered about so many things,” Jesus told Martha. “But Mary has chosen the good part” because she was quietly spending time with Jesus.
Back to Spurgeon, and being dashed against the rocks by the world’s problems. The great preacher meant that worries and busyness could have two results. The first is natural…it’s a negative reaction; we get upset, anxious, and frustrated when the storms of life smash into us. Like Martha, we miss the point, not kissing their push to Jesus.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon
Spurgeon commends his own spiritual growth with the second and preferred reaction, a supernatural response that drove him to his knees…talking with Him (in prayer) and listening to His words (reading the Bible). Getting bashed with busyness and worries can be good if it drives you to the Rock of Ages, to worship Jesus Christ…Who is in control.
Whether you know Jesus or don’t, He is saying that only a few things are necessary today, really only one…and that is this––be with Him. You can ready yourself each day for the world’s waves with His help, His comforting words, and not rush off unprepared and vulnerable. Your bothers and worries can be positives, loving shoves into His arms.
Beware your “kitchen” distraction that keeps you from Him, the “really only one.” Is it your job, your family, or your tasks? Identify it, and put it second to a daily time alone with Him, even 30 minutes can alter your view of the worst wave crashes, even death.
Getting sick and dying is a real wave, and it happened to the brother of Martha and Mary. Death-dashed, they sent for Jesus. Four days later, Jesus arrived, and raised Lazarus from the dead (John 11). They were driven to Him for help. A reminder that “really only one” thing is necessary each day, to worship, which in the Greek means, “draw near to kiss.” So leave the kitchen, and worship the One, Who controls even the waves (Matthew 8:27).
YHM 