Twenty years ago I was accused of being a Martha. See the words I use clearly. I was accused. It was not suggested that I was more like Martha than Mary, but stated in such a way that I felt the immediate impact. That impact created a wound, that 20 years ago, left me feeling that I lacked a real spiritual connection to Jesus. I began to question myself and my motives in doing the things I did. Was I looking for another's approval, and was this just my way of acquiring it?
It is true that maturity brings wisdom, but that wisdom must be seen through God's perspective. We have heard it said many times that the Lord will use, what was intended for ill, to bring about a positive outcome. In other words, He works all things for good. Were it not for that woman all those years ago, I would likely not be sharing this testimony today, and a testimony it is! For any time the Lord brings you out of a season, there is a testimony to be acknowledged.
I have come to understand much about Martha throughout the years, and even more about myself, which is surely even more appropriate. This is what I believe!
Jesus loved Martha and Mary, not just Mary. The correction of Martha was clearly because she was asking Jesus to rebuke Mary for worshipping Him. I see no where in God's word where sincere worship of God is unwarranted. Jesus did not condemn Martha, but He certainly would not allow judgment to stand without a word of correction. He was not telling Martha she could not operate in her gifts and talents, just don't put everyone in the same box. Jesus was also suggesting that self reflection is a good thing. We should all take account of what drives us to do the things we do.
If we totally reject Martha, and her qualities, it is like throwing the baby out with the bath water. Just the thought of that makes me shudder. Instead, can we see Martha as the person who understood Truth, who after receiving correction from Jesus, went forward from that moment? After all, when Lazarus her brother died, she was the first one to get to Jesus proclaiming that if He had been present there would have been no death. She had to have been aware of miracles connected with Jesus, and she did not hesitate to speak her mind. Martha knew she was loved, so speaking from her heart was a natural overflow of a secure relationship.
Then Martha said what the others were thinking, "But it has been four days!" Once again she was able to express herself honestly to Jesus. Martha was not a silly woman who didn't get it, but someone who spoke her mind. We may recall even Peter having his moments where he questioned Jesus.
My confidence will always be in Jesus, knowing that our relationship is rooted in love, not condemnation. For this reason, I know that I can come to Him, warts and all, and he will gather me to Himself.
2 Corinthians 12:9 NLT Each time he said, "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness." So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me.