Home > Reading > The Daily Lectionary – October 28, 2016

luke10-42b

Today’s readings: Ecclesiastes 11:2–20; Revelation 9:13–21; Luke 10:38–42

The story of Martha and Mary is one familiar to all of us. From Mary’s perspective, what is important is learning from Jesus. For Martha, she sees her chores as just as important. The problem is that both are correct. Martha is not wrong to see importance in her tasks; her problem is one of priority. She allows the distractions of this world to supplant her need to learn discipleship. We all have goals. We have jobs. We have distractions; but are they keeping us from learning to be disciples? Are we so busy doing that we fail to dedicate time to learn, honor, and worship God?

The distractions within and without our lives are numerous and there is nothing wrong with being responsible. But is our focus on the stuff, or on our relationship with God? Good things can get in the way and we can quickly lose sight of what is really important: our need to hear what God is communicating. We can be considered a success in many ways but maybe we need to stop and listen to Jesus’ question from Matthew 16:26: “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world yet forfeit their soul?”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me to be your disciple and always place you first in my life. Amen.

Today’s devotion was written by Steven King, Pastor of Bethel Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincolnton, NC.

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