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WORKING IN THE HOUSE OF GOD (1)

The Problem With Martha's Service

Jesus only visited this family three times in His earthly life (recorded in Luke 10:38ff, John 11:20ff, and John 12:1ff). The visit of Luke 10:38ff was the first; and it was Martha that brought Him to her house.
It is really a great thing for one to receive Jesus Christ into one’s life, and that calls for celebration. However, one will be wise not to make the mistake of jumping into services to Christ immediately after this first experience of Christ. That is why Paul advised that church officials must not be new converts (see 1Tim. 3:6 (CEV)).
The one thing needful especially to new converts is to sit at the feet of Christ and learn from Him, just like Mary did. Jesus ordained the twelve, that they should be with Him [first of all], and that He might [later on, if He wills] send them out (Mark 3:14 (KJV)). As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word; that ye may grow thereby: If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious (1Peter 2:2 (KJV)). This is the one thing needful at that moment that Martha failed to do.
Scripturally speaking, Church work is reserved strictly for Christians who have spent (and do spend) time at the feet of the Master, learning from Him, and thus renewing their minds. For instance, the services at the Tabernacle of GOD were reserved for the Levites, not just anybody (See Numbers 3:6-12, 45, and 4:1ff). Again, deacons who were to help in the distribution of food in the early church were required to be of honest report, and full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom (Acts 6:3). Christian leaders will do well not to give such duties to immature Christians no matter the pressure. It will backfire sooner or later. Strengthen their foundations, get them into discipleship; afterwards you may give them work to do.

Good News

FOR MARTHA: In the last recorded account of Jesus’ visit (John 12:1ff), Martha was also serving. But this time around, she was not encumbered. She has had an experience with Christ and has learnt some things. She has learnt that Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life; and that all who believed in Him would live eternal life and see the glory of GOD (John 11:25-26, 40). She had even experienced the power of GOD in action (John 11:41-44) and has learnt GOD’s way of doing GOD’s work; hence she was now ready for Christian service. No more encumbrances. No more stress. No more frustrations. And so her service was now acceptable to the LORD.
FOR US: Whereas Martha and her household had Jesus for only a limited number of times, we who have believed have Jesus till the end of age (Matthew 28:20). Whereas Martha had Jesus as a guest (who had come and would leave after some time), we who have believed have Him as a permanent dweller. Whereas Martha could only have Jesus in her house, we who have believed have Him in our hearts. Whereas Jesus in Martha’s day could only be in one place at a time (so that the sister in the kitchen cannot hear Him speaking at the sitting room), Jesus in our day, by means of the Holy Spirit, is everywhere at every time.
It is very encouraging to note that Jesus, being with us at all times, can speak to us at any time. In a typical 21st Century Christian programme, there would be brethren busy at the back or (unavoidably) running around to see that everything goes on fine. Such brethren need not worry so much that they are missing out on GOD’s Word coming forth inside the hall.
“But what saith it [Scripture]? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach. But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. …you do not need that anyone [should] teach you; but …the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie.” (Romans 10:8 (KJV); 1John 2:20, 27 (NKJV))
To be continued...

(Read the continuation here)
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