Restored Relationship
A movie that I love to watch is “Mr. Holland’s Opus.” It is the story of a man who inspires to be a famous conductor has to take a teaching job at a high school in order to support his family. His wife and he have one child, a son. It is discovered that the son was 90% deaf. During the epic time period of the 1960’s, doctors advised the parents to raise him as a hearing child. During one of the dramatic scenes, the son, at age 5 or 6, begins crying as he pulls items out of the kitchen cupboards. The father yells, “Give him what he wants.” The mother replies, “I don’t know what he wants. I can’t even talk to my own son!” Then, she gathers the young boy in her arms as they both sit crumpled on the kitchen floor weeping for they both loved and yet felt so alone from each other. (By the way, the film is good and it does have happy parts. Don’t judge the whole thing because I bring up one really depressing scene.)
Can you imagine seeing the child you love hurt and you do not know how to tell them you care? Or see your child in pain and there is nothing you can do to help? Even worse, can you imagine knowing that your child is demon-possessed and that the demon enjoyed causing your child to be in pain? That is how the father of one child felt.
The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Him. A man in the crowd called out, “Teacher, I beg you to look at me son for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him. I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” “O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. (Luke 9:37-43)
As usual, a large crowd came upon Jesus. In this large crowd a voice cries out asking for help. His request was not for himself, but for his son, his only child. As heart wrenching as his request is, there is some underlying messages we can clearly see. First, he calls Jesus, “Teacher.” It’s like he is saying, “Look you say a lot of neat stuff. I think you are smart. I can learn a lot. But are you truly more than that or are you just talk? Can you do anything besides preach? Guess what, people ask the same thing today. Well, God, your Bible says some neat things. I agree about love and peace but are You truly living and active today? Are You around or are You far off, removed from creation, just watching us? You sound good, but can You impact me today, where I am, in the middle of this mess? Are You talk or are you really powerful enough to act?
So, the man is questioning whether or not this Teacher can do anything or if He’s just full of knowledge. He also wonders if this is Man is kind. Where do I get that? Look at how he asks for help:
“Teacher, I BEG you to look at my son, for he is my only child. A spirit seizes him and he suddenly screams; it throws him into convulsions so that he foams at the mouth. It scarcely ever leaves him and is destroying him.” (Luke 9:38b-39)
This father feels like he has to beg for help. He is not sure if Jesus will intervene just out of the goodness of His heart. He lets Jesus know that it is his only child. Then, he goes into the detail of what happens to his child. Do you ever do this? Do you feel like you have to give God all the reasons as to why He needs to help? Is it because you have forgotten that this is your Loving Heavenly Father who cares more about the situation than you possibly ever could? Think of the irony. The father is asking the Creator of the Universe, the One who loved his child before the boy was born, and yet is treating Him as someone who needs to have sympathy evoked in Him before He will help!
And if this slap in the face was not enough, the father swung his final blow:
“I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.” (Luke 9:40)
What? Why go to the disciples? Deep down, this man really considered everyone on the same level. Jesus had no special ability over His disciples. This father truly had no concept of Who Jesus is. He just thought the group had “special powers”. In his game plan, he would take the boy to someone, in fact to anyone who might be there so that the boy would be healed. The father didn’t understand that he was talking to God, not just a group of thirteen men.
But guess who was pretty excited about being part of the elite group? The disciples were feeling pretty good. When the dad brought him the boy, they didn’t think they needed to bother Jesus with this one. “We’ll take care of this one ourselves. What? A demon. Oh, no problem. We see this kind of case all the time. Why, I remember the one in Jericho, he was a meany. Not that any are nice. But we can do this. What Thomas, you doubt we can? Well, we’ll prove you wrong!”
Why the arrogance? Why the determination to do this? Could it be stemming from insecurity? There were only nine disciples around when the father of the demon-possessed boy showed up. Where was the other three? Where was Jesus?
Jesus…took Peter, John, and James with Him and went up onto a mountain to pray. As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning…(Luke 9:28-29)
I wonder if the other disciples were feeling left out since only Peter, John and James were selected to go up the mountain with Jesus. Did they feel like they were not part of the “in crowd”? Did they feel the need to show-off to feel important? Was their pride hurt? Were they trying to build themselves up? Did they not realize it always is worse when God has to teach us a lesson in front of an entire crowd?
In writing that, a particularly embarrassing moment comes to mind. That is amazing because I have so many! But I remember one time traveling on a plane to Dallas. I was seated next to a handsome man. We talked the whole time. I felt attractive, witty, charming, wonderful, etc. We talked about some spiritual matters and he, too, was a Christian. However, listening to his conversation his life was heading in a fast track toward destructive behaviors. Usually, the counselor in me comes out and I discuss, process, and help others. Not this time, I side-stepped blatant statement so as not to offend so I could continue being treated as amazingly as I think I should (I’m just joking.) Anyway, we debarked the plane. My friend met me at the baggage claim and together we waited for my luggage. The place was crowded so I was smashed in between people. I finally saw my suitcase. When it came by, I grabbed it. But the person on my right side began leaning on me so hard that I could not get the leverage to pick the bag up, my arm was pinned. What would be the wise thing to do? Let go of the bag. However, my hand caught on something on the bag so the bag began pulling me. I began leaning back on the guy leaning on me, hoping to regain balance. But he took a step backwards. I lost balance, the bag pulled me, a line of people parted as they all watched me trip and crash on the floor with my hand still caught on the bag. It got worse. As I am trying to get off the ground, I realize every person has his or her eyes on me. How do you gracefully get up after that? You don’t. The few seconds of silence erupted into laughter that lasted 10 minutes. Who’s the first face I see, the guy who sat by me! (By the way, I sent my friend to get my bag, for by this point it had gone around twice and I refused to touch it!) Yes, pride does come before the fall (and in my case it was literal! I still fear picking up my luggage!)
Now that I have shared my pain, I want you to think about how foolish the disciples must have felt. They are helpless. This is in a crowd of people. Some were watching. I wonder if they were laughed it. Interesting enough, they were not the ones who said, “Well, guy this is too big for us to handle. Let’s go to Jesus.” No, their pride kept them from asking for help. At least the father let go of his pride. He just wanted to save his son. So, he went to his last resort and asked Jesus for help. He was soon to learn from Jesus that the last resort should have been the first.
“O unbelieving and perverse generation,” Jesus replied, “how long shall I stay with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” (Luke 9:41)
Jesus always cuts to the heart of the matter. He knew the father did not believe that He could help. He knew that the father did not understand the difference between the Teacher and the disciples. He knew that the father did not understand His loving kindness. He knew there were others in the crowds who also needed to hear His message. Maybe there are more today. Those who think Jesus was a nice theory, or a good man, or a prophet, or a teacher. Jesus is the Lord, able to heal, to release, to save. For those of you who doubt, listen to His call:
“Bring your son here.” (Luke 9:41b)
For you parents, please hear the words so eloquently penned by Charles Spurgeon in his devotional Morning by Morning:
The disappointed father turned from the disciples to their Master. His son was in the worst possible condition, and all means had failed. But the possessed child was soon delivered from the evil spirit when the parent in faith obeyed the Lord Jesus’ word, “Bring the boy to me.” Children are a precious gift from God, but a great deal of anxiety comes with them. They may be a great joy or a great bitterness to their parents. They may be filled with God’s Spirit or possessed by an evil spirit. In all cases, the Word of God gives us one receipt for curing their ills, “Bring the boy to Me.” We need more agonizing prayer on their behalf while they’re still babes! Sin is there; so let our prayers attack it. Our cries for our children should precede those cries that result from their entrance into a world of sin. When they’re young, we will see sad signs of that dumb and deaf spirit that will neither pray properly nor hear God’s voice in the soul-but Jesus still commands, “Bring the boy to Me.” When they’re grown up they may wallow in sin and rage with hatred against God. Yet when our hearts are breaking we should remember the great Physician’s words, “Bring the boy to Me.” We must not stop praying until they stop breathing. No case is hopeless with Christ. Whatever our need may be, let I carry us like a strong current to the ocean of diving love. Christ can soon remove our sorrow, so let’s hurry to Him-He waits for us.
So, whatever the problem, whatever the pain, will you bring it to Jesus today? Don’t go to others. Don’t hide it in your heart. Just take it straight to Him. He is able to do more than you can imagine. Nothing is too powerful for Him. No matter how grim it might seem.
Even while the boy was coming, the demon threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus rebuked the evil spirit, healed the boy and gave him back to his father. And they were all amazed at the greatness of God. (Luke 9:42-43a)
What a gift that father received that day. He got back his son, his only son. The boy was completely restored to him, never to be separated by the evil again. I wonder if Jesus thought of His Father, who very soon would be separated from His Son, His only Son. Hell itself would be unleashed on this Boy as He took on the sins of this cruel, dark world. But this Father could not stop the pain, nor make the torture end. Not because He was unable, no because He was unwilling. For He knew that the pain could set the people free from the evil that was destroying them, making them convulse with sin. In fact I think this message was close to Jesus heart for read what He said next:
While everyone was marveling at all that Jesus did, He said to His disciples, “Listen carefully to what I am about to tell you: The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of men.” (Luke 9:43b-44)
And so He was. He was betrayed, crucified, left for dead, beyond hope. Or so the disciples thought. But just as one son was restored to his father, another Son was also restored to His heavenly Father as three days later He arose from the dead! Praise God! One day, the greatness of God will be shown as this physical prison finally releases us and we are able to enter a full face-to-face meeting with the Father we so dearly love!
Movin’ Martha
Cooking is a foreign language to me. I cannot interpret recipes. There have been many times when I looked at the picture in the book and then looked at what came out of the oven and have wondered, “How could something possibly go that wrong?” My sisters both could be gourmet chefs. They love taking a recipe and adding their own special twist. I am the one they ask to do the dishes. They figure that is safer for everyone. One time I made a casserole and you would have thought I had climbed Mt. Everest with they way everyone carried on. Needless to say, I do not invite friends over. We will go out to eat together. It keeps us from having to go to the hospital with food poisoning.
Martha, on the other hand, was the hostess with the most-ess. The food was extravagant, the plate settings were beautiful, the flowers were perfectly placed, name cards were on the table, and even the dog was well behaved. All the other people in town wanted to have parties like Martha. (Of course, unless you are like me. I would not want to have a party like Martha; I would want to be invited to Martha’s party so I could eat all of her good cooking. In fact, I am hungry right now.)
As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42)
Martha always gets a bad rap in this incident, but they forget her initial generosity. She had willingly opened up her home for Jesus and any body He decided to bring with Him.
As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. (Luke 10:38)
I never know how to picture this scene. Were the disciples there? Often you see flannel boards with a roomful of disciples sitting around the feet of Jesus with Mary in front. Martha is standing in the background with some kitchen utensil in her hand. She is scolding Jesus for not making Mary help. But when you read the passage it says,
Martha opened her home to Him. (Luke 10:38)
So, maybe it was just Martha, Mary, and Jesus in the home. I cannot be for sure. She was probably hoping that Jesus would not bring his rag-tag team of disciples with him. Thomas would doubt she could cook well. And Peter would be making embarrassing off the wall comments. And she would have to watch Judas to make sure he didn’t steal anything. But whether for a huge or small group, Martha was hard at work in the kitchen. She is determined to create an amazing meal; after all, she invited the Guest into her home!
While Martha is scurrying about like a mouse caught in a maze that is able to smell cheese, Mary is lounging and listening.
She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. (Luke 10:39)
Whenever I picture Mary in my mind, she seems to have the innocence of a child. A child would not pay attention to social customs of the day. For in that time period, a woman would not be considered worthy to be taught. Yet, Mary, so intent to learn, sits down at the feet of the Teacher to listen and learn.
Have you taken time to do that today? Have you sat down at the feet of Jesus and soaked in His Word? Do not miss Him. In fact, if you have not had a Bible study, put down this book and go do it right now. Each day make Him your priority. He has so much He wants to share with you. But you cannot hear His voice as you rush through the day. Sit, listen, and learn in love. Don’t miss Him because you are too busy.
But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. (Luke 10:40a)
The preparations were necessary. It was not as if Martha was doing something wrong. She was doing something right. The work had to be done. But it was her attitude that could have been different. For instead of enjoying her serving, she just keeps eyeing Mary and getting more and more irritated. Her focus went from serving in order to free others to be taught, to wanting Mary to serve beside her whether she liked it or not.
She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b)
If someone has a problem with me, I like him or her to come and talk to me. I hate when people go behind my back and says something. But the worst is when someone puts you down in front of you. Just this week in staff meeting, a staff member made a comment that made me look terrible in front of two new staff people. The funny thing was that his statement proved that he was the one with the problem. But I just looked at him wondering, “Why is he trying to make me look bad? And I wonder what everyone thinks of me now?”
If making Mary look bad in front of everyone was not bad enough, she also began accusing Jesus of having no feelings!
“Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?” (Luke 10:40a)
If that wasn’t enough, she then decides to boss the Lord around!
Tell her to help me!” (Luke 10:40b)
Whoa Martha. She is out of control. She is not only mad at Mary, she is now irritated with Jesus. She is making outlandish statements that could not possibly be true. Then she begins to lord over the Lord. How did she go from opening her home to the Lord to yelling at Him? It is when she went from cooking to stewing. At first her focus was on the food, but the more she looked at Mary, her focus was on whom was not helping her with the food. She began to simmer, then brewing, and then boiling! She was mad.
When we focus on others we can get so angry. God is constantly reviewing this lesson with me. I am a black and white kind of person. Things are right or wrong and I believe people need to know my opinion on it. When I see people doing things that I disagree with, I get so mad. This is the worst when I have to work on a project with someone who is lazy and will not get the work done and I have to carry the slack.
I have a friend who is an obsessive cleaner. She makes me laugh when she tells me about pulling out Q-tips to really clean the stove. (I never have to concern myself with cleaning the stove. Since I never cook, it means my oven is always clean. There are benefits to eating out all the time. Less cleaning. I recommend it to everyone.) Sometimes the fact that her husband does not volunteer to help clean upsets her. Yet, when he tries, she will come in behind it so it is done “right”. He loses either way. But the funny thing is, she loves to clean. Usually, it is done with joy. (Yes, she is one of those sick kinds of people who like house chores. Yuck!) It is just that some days, she looks at what she is doing and what he is not and then she gets mad. That is what Martha did. Her focus was no longer on what she could do for the Lord but on what Mary was not doing for her. I bet her mind started going off. “Look at Mary just sitting there. Doesn’t she realize I need help? I am not her slave, you know. She could get up and give me a hand. She is trying to show off. Surely, someone will say something to her, to tell her to come in the kitchen. Maybe if I sigh really loud, they will realize how pitiful I am. (SIGH!) No one moved. I know they heard me. I will drop something. (Pan crashes to floor.) Well, they looked this way but Jesus keeps right on teaching. I cannot believe that of all people Jesus is not sending Mary to me. He teaches about service. How does He expect for me to serve all alone. Am I the only one who wants to do the right thing here? That’s it. I have had enough.”
She came to Him and asked, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me! “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. (Luke 10:40b-42a)
Jesus had gone from teaching to whoever was at His feet, to teaching a woman who desperately needed to learn. This was not a lesson about cooking, but one about living. Martha was worried and upset about many things. Not necessarily just about that one evening, but it seems to imply that she lives a lifestyle of worry. Jesus, in His tenderness, uses this as a moment to confront the pervading sin in her life. Worry was stealing her joy, her service, her ability to choose a better away.
My grandmother is a chronic worrier. Before she leaves her house to go to the store, she has to check every room. She ensures that the lights are all turned off. She looks at every faucet to check if there is water running. She looks through her purse to see if she has enough snack food. My grandmother locks and then relocks doors to guarantee they are locked. Then, every time we leave the house she always asks my grandfather, “Did you shut the garage door?” He always answers, “No!” and then laughs. By the time we leave their house, I am stressed!
I think Martha was like this. She checked and double checked and worried and stressed. She made those around her crazy! No wonder Mary was “hiding” at the feet of Jesus! So, the Lord confronted her sin. And then He commended Mary.
“Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42b)
Can you imagine being complimented by the Lord? I love it. I bet Mary loved Him all the more after that, for He just proved Himself to be her Defender. It is not easy to choose the better. People do not understand. They think you are a crazy fanatic. “Why go to church all the time? Why do you read your Bible and pray? Why do you listen to Christian music? Why…?” But realize that Jesus is saying, “Well done. You are doing what is right. I will not let anyone else steal your joy. I am your Defender. I am all you need.”
For years, a friend of mine has been my Martha. She could not understand why I did what I did. She was against my job in the ministry, telling me I was wasting my life. She would interrupt my prayer and Bible study times, calling them foolish. Her response to my tithing to the church was, “You have got to be kidding.” She was constantly trying to steal me away. But now, my Martha is turning into a Mary. She asks for us to do devotions together. She watches sermons with me. She even reminds me to pray before meals. (I get so excited to eat real food when she is around that I devour it like a picture off of National Geographic when a lion eats an antelope!) The Lord defended me by rebuking her in tender love. And she has stepped out of the critical kitchen and is now sitting beside me at the feet of Jesus.
Where are you today? Does worry consume you? Are you critical of others? Has life become about doing and not being? The Lord is speaking to you today.
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. (Luke 10:41-42a)
Only one thing is needed. And it is not getting the chores done. Stop! Sit at the feet of Jesus. Listen and learn. And then hear Him brag on you to others. This is the best time. Don’t miss it because you are determined to be busy. Make time for it, for He is life!