Luke 10:38-42 “Now it came to pass, as they went, that He entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard His word. But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to Him, and said, ‘Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? Bid her therefore that she help me.’ And Jesus answered and said unto her, ‘Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.’ ”
We women are often busy with the responsibilities of life and neglect the one thing that we really need, the devotional time with the Lord.
Sixteen times in scripture we have the phrase “one thing” mentioned. Four in OT and twelve in the NT. Some times relating God’s characteristics and some times relating to human responses.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO RECOGNIZE THAT “ONE THING?”
- God’s goodness never fails: Joshua 23:14
- God treats all humans the same: Job 9:22
- God controls our life and death: Ecc.3:19
- The Lord Jesus (God) has the authority and ability to do all things: Matt. 21:24
- The Lord Jesus has the ability to save and destroy anytime: Luke 6:9
- The Lord Jesus is the only source of wisdom in responding to the world’s confusion: Luke 20:3-4
- The Lord Jesus is coming again to judge: 2 Pet.3:7-8
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE RESPONSES?
- Give lip service but lack devotion and be occupied by worldly things: Mar 10:21, Luke 18:22
- Be confused about what is really important: Acts 19:32, Act 21:34
- As the blind man recognize him as the one who opened his eyes: John 9:25
- Like Mary be thirsty (needy) for His word and spend time in prayer and bible study at His feet: Luke 10:42
- Like Paul chose to forget the past/present and look forward to better things/His return/Heaven: Philippians 3:13
- Like David, seek after the Lord: Ps 27:4
BEHOLDING HIM
2 Co. 3:18, Num. 24:17
TO BEHOLD THE BEAUTY OF THE LORD
The reference here is to the beauty or loveliness of the divine character as it was particularly manifested in the public worship of God, or by those symbols, which in the ancient worship were designed to make that character known. In the tabernacle and in the temple there was a manifestation of the character of God not seen elsewhere. The whole worship was adapted to set forth His greatness, glory and His grace. Great truths were brought before the mind, fitted to elevate, to comfort, and to sanctify the soul; and it was in the contemplation of those truths that the psalmist sought to elevate and purify his own mind, and to sustain himself in troubles and perplexities of life.
CHALLENGE FOR YOU AND ME IS:
- Dwell in His presence
- Discover His will
- Delight in His character “behold his beauty”
HOW?
- Seek: 1Ch. 16:11, Isa. 55:6
- Abide: Psa. 11:7
- Pray: Psa. 31:16
- Look: Jud. 1:21
- Obey: Psa. 89:15, Psa. 119:10
CONCLUSION:
The “one thing” that is needed is to seek the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation for the sinner and personal growth for the believer with all our hearts minds and souls, by meditating and obeying His word and keeping in close fellowship with Him.
The Lord grant that we diligently and continually seek Him in our daily lives, and make Him the centre and desire of our hearts not only in times of trouble but as a daily exercise of our lives as we await His soon return.