There is a grand old hymn of the Christian church which I have sung since the days of my youth. It always has moved me deeply. It begins with lovely lines of promise: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of His word, what a glory He sheds on our way.”
Don KirklandThe hymn, of course, is “Trust and Obey.” If, like me, you grew up Baptist, you know it well.
It speaks to you and me of a “fellowship sweet” as we “sit at His feet” or “walk by His side in the way” — doing what he says, going where he sends, showing no fear as we follow him, trusting and obeying.
The hymn conjures up images of what we often refer to as our “walk with the Lord.” We seek, in the words of the gospel tune, “just a closer walk with Thee.”
Our discipleship involves both walking and sitting. There is spiritual advantage, spiritual necessity to both.
At last week’s State Evangelism Conference in Columbia, Houston pastor Ed Young took the audience into the home of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The setting was familiar to Jesus. Often he found respite from the rigors of ministry with these beloved followers of his.
As Young described the scene, Martha “scrambled” around in haste in her efforts to properly host Jesus. She knew that this frequent guest of theirs was hungry as well as tired. The kitchen hummed with activity. Her sister Mary had planted herself at the feet of Jesus. She was far more interested in what he was saying than what he would eat later.
Young told how Martha, frustrated with and angry at her sister, “exploded” into the room where Jesus was resting. “Lord,” she complained, “doesn’t it bother you that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her to come and help me.”
The level of her distress and the depth of her friendship with Jesus are measured in her complaint; she was telling the Lord what he should do.
Jesus took it in stride. I suspect that our Lord was a little amused. Perhaps there was some playfulness even in his comeback. “Martha,” he said, “you are worried and upset about so many things, but only one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen what is best.”
You and I often are occupied with and frazzled over a multitude of “things” that clamor for our attention. Even if we recognize what is “best,” we too often fail to choose it.
There can be no doubt that Mary and Martha loved Jesus. Both were devoted to him. They doted on him. They longed for and cherished those times when Jesus came to their home. On this occasion, however, one of the sisters showed better judgment. Martha, as always, had opened her home to Jesus, while Mary had opened her heart. Helping make ready even the most sumptuous meal did not take priority in the mind and heart of one who already was feasting on the spiritual food that only Jesus could provide.
There is a place of stillness at the feet of Jesus, and Mary discovered it. She was able to forget, at least for the moment, her cares and worries. Martha would suggest that she also forgot her “duties.” But so be it. Mary sensed the shortness of time to be with the Master, focusing on her need of him and her love for him.
Mary also found at the feet of Jesus something that millions long for, but many never discover — and that is acceptance and true contentment.
Much more is available to you and to me — as it was to Mary — at the feet of Jesus. It is a place of supplication as we look into the face of Jesus and seek help for troubled times. It is a place of service as we commit to pay any price for the joy of pouring out our lives as a sacrifice for the One who gave all for us.
To sit at the feet of Jesus is to say to the world that he is of paramount importance in our lives. It is where we spend our time to become more like him. It is where you and I learn his ways while gladly giving up our own so that his will controls our lives.
As followers of Christ, we need to know our place, and it is at the feet of Jesus.