Front row seats can be expensive. My husband and I discovered this when we bought tickets to a U2 concert. So we chose to sit a bit further back. But, still it was exciting.
An ordinary-looking man stood in front of us. We noticed a lot of people stopped to say hello and shake his hand. Turns out, it was Bono’s brother.
Often we think of the front row as where the action happens.
But, being up front and close to Jesus can look completely different.
One woman in particular, Mary, the sister of Martha, shows us what it looks like on the front row with Jesus.
Luke’s Gospel tells the story of how Jesus came to Mary and Martha’s house. Although women didn’t have same opportunities to learn as men, or to be taught by a rabbi, Mary seized the chance in front of her in her own home.
Mary left whatever preparations were going on and sat at the feet of Jesus. This was the proper place for a disciple to be. There, Mary could listen to Jesus and learn from him.
Martha, on the other hand, a woman comfortable having an upfront role and making the action happen, was preoccupied. She opened up her house to Jesus. She was used to taking responsibility and being in charge. Yet, Martha nearly missed what was in front of her.
Cooking is not one of my strong points. I feel I have no control over what happens in a frying pan. Luckily for me, my husband loves to cook. So, with this story I’ve always thought it easier to identify with Mary rather than Martha.
But then I realized I sometimes have a bit of both Mary and Martha in me.
The other day, for instance, I went for my usual walk and to pray. Yet, every time I tried to concentrate on prayer, my mind wandered to my “to do” list and more, you know how it is.
I’m just like Martha, I thought. I have pans bubbling away on the stovetop of my heart. I’m getting all flustered and distracted.
But I wanted to be like Mary; to spend time with my Lord.
Tweet ThisEach one of my distracting thoughts was like one of those pans. I needed to turn off the heat under each one, just for a short while, so I could press closer to Jesus.
I imagined turning off the heat under the anxiety about my son’s performance at school. I turned off the burner under my worries about our finances. I hesitated when it came to the results from a recent doctor’s appointment I was waiting for. For this, I turned it down to a simmer. All these things could wait a while.
I breathed a bit easier. Suddenly, I remembered the day—Good Friday.
And then I heard Jesus whisper to me, I am alive! Isn’t that wonderful?
Tears filled my eyes. I would have gone my whole day and missed this beautiful truth.
Is Jesus gently chiding you to forget about the action and instead, take the front row and sit and listen as his feet?
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Debbie W.
Rachel tears almost filled my eyes as I read this. I loved how you chose to use frying pans as comparison. I love to cook and so does my husband so we make a good team and it seems our kids do too even though they married spouses that didn’t but have learned being in this family. It’s like Good Friday again today reading this.
Bev Duncan @ Walking Well With God
Rachel,
Good morning Rachel, Always lovely to stop by your place! I attempt to pray while I walk as well…I so want to be Mary, but end up like Martha going down rabbit trails that lead to nothing productive. We’ve been having some gloriously sunny days here in the South and like you said, sometimes I just need to go for a walk and thank God for being alive. I find that when I start with the gratitude first, my walks take on a whole new demeanor. Joining with you in wanting to sit in the front row at Jesus’ feet!
Blessings friend,
Bev
Suzie Eller
Good morning, Rachel. I pray that my best seat in the house will always be at the feet of Jesus. Thank you for that reminder. Thank you for linking up today.
Cindy
Oh boy, can I ever relate to distracting thoughts interrupting my quiet time! I love the thought of visualizing turning each one off! Thanks for inspiring me today! Cindy
Lynn
Definitely Jesus is asking me to take less action. At last night’s bible study I felt Him nudging me to just two scriptures. “Try this out Lynn…just two..you don’t have to learn everything at once. You have plenty of time!” So often my mind travels way ahead, onto the next thing before fully absorbing what is right in front of me. I’m glad He nudged you into breathing in the beautiful day on Good Friday.
Ellen Chauvin
Rachel, I lost my focus this morning during my prayer time (as I do many mornings!). Then I thought about what is necessary – not my to do list, or all the chaos swirling. But sitting on the front row, at the feet of Jesus. Thank you, what a beautiful post!
Rebecca L Jones
I recently wrote a blog post called Mary, Mary. I was feeling a bit overwhelmed but I knew that I had chosen what was important and it would not be taken from me. I can leave my laundry folded and put it away later, I can get back to prayer and study. The best place to be is at Jesus’feet. The Holy Spirit is always there, so in a way, we’re there.
Sandra Burns
Loved reading this today Rachel- Thankyou
Michele Morin
What an amazing twist on this theme. I need this reminder to spend more time quietly at His feet.
Thanks for your words here.
Deborah
Rachel,
Thank you for the beautifully written reminder. I’ve always identified more with Martha – busyness, a major struggle. I needed this reminder today to take a front row seat!
Bethany McIlrath
Pans bubbling in your heart…that’s a picture I needed! Thank you!! #DanceWithJesus
Rachel Britton
Hope you get a chance to put them on a simmer, Bethany. 🙂
Shannon
So encouraging! Thank you for sharing!
Jennifer
Sweet ponderings here, Rachel. While there’s much value in service, it’s important to take time in stillness before Him. Thank you for sharing this valuable reminder with us at Grace & Truth!
Rachel Britton
Yes, so true Jennifer. We need a balance of service and stillness just like Jesus.