Mary and Martha-Part Three
Spiritual Segregation
Quotes are from “Chasing God, Serving Man-Divine Encounters Between Martha’s Kitchen and Mary’s Worship” by Tommy Tenney. You can order the book on-line at: http://www.creatingfutures.net/books.html
Before we discuss the topic of Spiritual Segregation, we should discuss Jesus’ rebuke to Martha.
Luke 10:40-42
“But Martha was distracted with all her
preparations; and she came up to Him, and said, "Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the
serving alone? Then tell her to help me." [41] But the Lord answered and
said to her, "Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many
things; but only a few things are
necessary, really only one, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not
be taken away from her.”
There are those who have misunderstood why Jesus brought correction to Martha. They assume He was against her working in the kitchen. So they then insinuate that those who are like Mary are more spiritual. It was not ‘unspiritual’ for Martha to be preparing a meal.
John 12:2 (NASB)
“So they made Him a supper
there, and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at the
table with Him.”
When you read all of John, Chapter 12, you do not find Jesus rebuking Martha for serving. (The events recorded in Luke 10 are not the same events in John 12).
The problem was her being irritated with Mary, and not
recognizing the unique opportunity to worship Jesus. She allowed her
responsibilities to become more important than being blessed with the presence
of Jesus.
SPIRITUAL SEGREGATION
Spiritual segregation occurs when Marys think Marthas are not spiritual enough, and Martha’s think Marys are ‘too wrapped up in worship and prayer’. What happens with spiritual segregation is that churches either become spiritually passionate or socially compassionate. In order to experience a powerful and long lasting visitation of the Holy Spirit, we must worship Jesus’ divinity and host His humanity.
“There is no reason why a church cannot be seeker-friendly
and Spirit-friendly simultaneously. There is no reason why compassion for man
and passion for God cannot coexist.” P.22
Mary set the example of loving worship when she broke her costly perfume and
anointed Jesus. Martha also showed her brokenness by burning the “
HABITATION FOR GOD
“Spiritual segregation has no place in God’s purposes or in the life of any local church. Mary and Martha must not only live in the same neighborhood, they must live in the same house! No spiritual segregation, no prideful prejudice.” P. 25.
“Our Father is looking for a house or tabernacle to live in, not simply to visit.” P.25. A place that recognizes His Divinity, but and also ministers to humanity.
In the next nugget we will discuss the Mary and Martha in each of us.
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Unless otherwise noted, Scripture quotations used are from the New American Standard Version (NAS).