The Good Part
- LifewithJesus
- Jan 18, 2025
- 4 min read
Luke 10:42 NKJV
“But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which will not be taken away from her.””
The story of Mary and Martha is found in Luke 10; as I read this Bible verse; the story spoke to me in another light.
First it was interesting to actually know that it was Martha that actually invited JESUS into hers and Mary’s home and when JESUS came; only Mary sat at HIS feet to listen to him, Martha got busy with serving.
The problem with Martha was never the service, it was that she let that be a distraction to really enjoying and basking in the presence of GOD.
Luke 10:40 NKJV
“But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.””
And with the help and leading of the PERSON OF THE SPIRIT OF THE LIVING GOD, THE HOLY SPIRIT I will liken this to ministry.
The same way JESUS told Martha that one thing is only needed; Jesus in Luke 18:22 told that rich man that One thing in his life was still lacking:
Luke 18:22 NKJV
“So when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.””
These two goes hand in hand. For JESUS; it is always about seeking HIM; following HIM, and that trumps everything, service, ministry e.t.c
You can have everything, do everything right, but only One thing is needed and you can still lack it.
”But one thing is needed and one thing you still lack and that is actually the good part”
So what did JESUS mean in verse 42 when HE said one thing is needed and Mary has chosen that part?
Spurgeon Says
“The one thing needful evidently is that which Mary chose — that good part which should not be taken away from her. Very clearly this was to sit at Jesus’ feet, and hear his word.” (Spurgeon)
Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her: Mary’s good part was her simple devotion to Jesus, loving Him by listening to His word. This was Mary’s chosen focus.
To be like Mary is to know how to serve and also sit at Jesus’ feet, and always always prioritising sitting at HIS feet.
There are people like Martha: Those who diligently, and with the best intention serve God, but without adding the one thing – a continued focus on Jesus – and it results in great frustration.
The one time Martha stopped serving, to approach and look at JESUS, was to complain:
Luke 10:40 NKJV
“But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.””
So in your ministry, yes be zealous in your service to GOD and the things of GOD, but don’t forget the good part, the needful important part; a continued focus on Jesus; continued intimacy with GOD, staying, seating at HIS feet continually.
Let there be a continuous longing; as the deer pants for the water let your soul continually long to seat at the feet of JESUS to love on HIM, fellowship with HIM, learn from HIM
Psalms 42:1 NKJV
“As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.”
Ultimately like Dunsin sang; choose being with JESUS over all these things; cos you can actually invite JESUS into your heart, your ministry, your purpose and ignore HIS presence being too busy and distracted.
Engage with the presence of JESUS continually, not just invite but ENGAGE.
Don’t be ignorant of the devices of the Devil.
So what does it mean to Engage? To stay at the feet of JESUS
Enduring word says
Martha sought JESUS out, her gaze, focus was on HIM while she sought JESUS, but her focus, gaze completely shifted once HE came into her home.
Probably you fasted and prayed to seek JESUS, you fasted for that ministry you are engaging in now, you actively sought JESUS out but once HE came, once HE gave you the vision, the ministry; you removed your gaze from HIM and now focused on these other things. You have allowed that to be a distraction to continually engaging, continually seeking JESUS.
You have left the message HIMSELF, you have left THE WAY HIMSELF, you have left THE MINISTRY HIMSELF. Service is not bad but once it trumps JESUS then that’s the bad thing.
The heart of service, the heart of living, of true worship, of ministry is JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF. Don’t loose that, never loose that.
The right balance is to always actively engage with JESUS as you serve, let HIM lead you as you serve, give room for HIM to engage with you, teach YOU and show YOU, that’s the right way to serve and do ministry.
Its always, it’s continuous and your love, passion for JESUS HIMSELF has to trump ministry, service all these other things himself.
You have to, should prefer the presence of GOD over it all and choose HIM over it all.
JESUS CHRIST is the best part of everything you are doing, the good part so don’t loose that 🙏
Let us Pray Beloved🙏
Prayer
Just like Mary, help me, help us LORD to stay right here at your feet always, to continually seek you, to continually behold you. ignite our passion for deep intimacy with you LORD; we thank you cause we know it’s really truly really about you LORD.
And help us serve you truly in SPIRIT and in TRUTH, that we never neglect YOU and empower us for service LORD.
This we pray and ask in JESUS name, Amen🙏
Comments