the daily essential...

 

And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: (Luke 10:41)

 What are those many things you are “careful” for and must complete daily?  I took a few minutes to think about the daily essentials I systematically complete. From the insignificant to what I thought was most important. Here are but a few: 

·      morning grooming /cleansing routine

·      breakfast prep 

·      tided up home 

·      prepared home cooked meals

·      childcare

 

 

If we reflect upon this short excerpt from the Bible, Martha, too, was simply pouring herself into the duties of daily living. Which are absolutely essential to sustain life.  But Jesus continues with...

But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. (Luke 10:42 KJV)

 

Jesus wasn’t at all condemning Martha for engaging in her essential activities. He simply wanted to draw her attention to something soooo much more “essential” than what she had considered her daily essentials.  

It’s the part that Mary chose …

 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word. (Luke 10:39 KJV)

…. that He wanted her to grasp. 

Her “essentials” towered over something so much greater that hadn’t at the slightest occurred to her.   The hearing of his word.

Jesus goes on to emphasize that Mary's essential activity, shall not be taken away from her.  

My study Bible calls it “the enduring.”  These are things that will remain with her forever.  

I thoughtfully returned to my list of essentials. Roughly reflecting upon their duration.  In other words, how long would my essentials actually endure? 

·      morning grooming /cleansing routine:  5-6 hours

·      breakfast prep and intake: 3-4 hours

·      tided up home:  up to 2 days (1/2 day in my case)

·      well prepared home cooked meal :  1-2 days 

·      nurturing tasks of childcare:  hours to years

 

 

A realization had occurred to me, as Martha, I too sincerely poured myself into my essentials, in desperate hopes of savoring their maximum benefits. While neglecting what Jesus has called that one most "needful" thing.  

 A daily choice to be made on my part...

Mary hath chosen that good part.

 

 

 

 

Supporting texts:

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

But the word of the Lord endures forever. (Peter 1:25 KJV). 

Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you.  (John 6:27 KJV)

 

Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (John 6:68 KJV)