Are You a Mary or Martha?نموونە

Today I want to focus on Martha and how Jesus responded when her brother became sick and died. The sisters sent word to Jesus because they knew how much Jesus loved Lazarus. Jesus knew his sickness would not ultimately end in death, so He waited two more days before heading in their direction. In the meantime, Lazarus died.

Martha heard Jesus was in town. We know what kind of person she is and the attitude she has. I imagine (now this is my version) she heard Jesus was in town and quickly stormed out to see Him. She found Him and demanded answers. She questioned, “Where were you? Why weren’t you here?” She challenged Him saying, “If you had been here, my brother would not have died!” Martha is angry. She does not understand. She’s wondering, “Doesn’t He love her? Didn’t He love Lazarus?” She had to know where Jesus was when she needed Him most.

I know this is how she is saying those words because I have said those same things many times in my life to Jesus. Where were You? Why weren’t You here? Why isn’t this happening the way I thought it would? Why is this taking so long? Why aren’t You fixing this? Why did my dad have to die? Why did my husband leave me? Why was there so much interference in my adoption? Why did my friend have to get cancer? Jesus, where were You?

When Jesus responded to Martha, He did not respond out of anger. He has a heart-to-heart conversation with her. He assures her that her brother is going to rise again. He tells her it is going to be ok.

Martha, in turn, responds by basically saying, “Oh, I know, one day he will rise again in the resurrection." I imagine this was somewhat sarcastic, and she was thinking about how that did not help her right then (remember this is my version). This is when Jesus gets a little stern. He says to her, “LISTEN, I am the resurrection and the life! He who believes in Me will never die.” Snap out of it. Listen to what I am saying. Put your faith back where it belongs. Then He challenges her by asking, “Do you believe me?” And Martha answers … yes.

I do not know if you can relate, but I have to admit it humbles me every single time. I am reminded of His goodness and His patience. I am thankful He is willing to allow me to come to Him with my fears and concerns. He listens while I talk through my problems, and He reminds me of His faithfulness. God tells us, “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him” (Psalm 91:15). I believe Martha walked back to her home comforted, reassured, and filled with love, peace, and faith.

I have heard God say these same things to me. He asks:

• Do you know who I am?
• Do you know what I am capable of?
• Do you trust that I can do the things I have promised?
• Do you truly believe me?

Take some time today to listen to God's still, small voice reminding you of His love and comfort when you have hard questions.