In reading the account of Mary and Martha, we learn a lot from Martha's teachable spirit. I'm afraid I tend to be more like Martha sometimes, thinking I have value because I am productive. But I have learned along the way that I have value simply because I belong to Christ. It's not so much what I do, it's who I am in Him! We also have some choices to make when we are corrected, rebuked, or chastened. We can receive it or we can refuse it. The Scriptures tell us to correct, rebuke and chasten one another - so what's our response to all this? Usually - rebellion ... "Don't tell me what to do!" Even if we don't say it out loud to the person correcting us, it is in our hearts and swimming around in our heads. We practically blow up holding back the anger at being chastened; an anger that is ready to explode out of our mouths (and, sadly, sometimes does). Read the Mary and Martha story in Luke 10:38-42 ... that was some correction Martha received! It doesn't go on to tell us what her response to Jesus was at that time, but we see her transformation into an obedient and worshipful woman in John 11:1-44 and John 12:1-11 ... a transformation we all need. Scriptures for today's lesson: Luke 10:38-42 John 11:1-44 John 12:1-11 2 Chronicles 24:19 Nehemiah 9:30 2 Timothy 3:7 James 1:22 Proverbs 3:12 Psalm 119:67-68 Hebrews 12:11 Psalm 51:1-17 Audio: (Click forward button below to play audio of sermon and/or download mp3 file.)
1 Comment
Patsy Parker (formerly Pat Carlino)
10/9/2011 08:51:08 am
This message really ministered to me. A good smack right between the eyes on some points! But for me, wanting to be a true God pleaser means going thru the pain of discipline & correction. I could so relate to the person of your story with regard to Psalm 51. I have also been that person at a time during my lifetime. I remember listening to a preacher read Psalm 51 on a cassette tape about 25 years or so ago. His voice and the words of the Psalm in my memory are as tho it were yesterday. Piercing! God's Word does heal us! I love the thought about y'all teaching the children to respond with "thank you for the correction" Oh that we might all adopt that attitude! Love the Word and thank you for your ministry. And, "thank you for the correction!!!!"
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