Martha gets a bad wrap

May 17, 2024

Often when we think of Martha and her sister Mary we often think of Martha in a bad light. 

When Jesus comes over to see them, Mary sits with Jesus and Martha is rushing around getting things done. She complains to Jesus and asks Him to tell Mary to help.

But today I noticed that Martha gives a very good response to Jesus’ question when they are talking about Lazarus dying and being raised.

In John 11:25 Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. 26 Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?”

In verse 27  Martha says, “Yes, Lord,” “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” 

Martha’s response is brilliant. It is very similar to Peter’s response when Jesus asks, “Whom do you say I am?” Peter says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:15-16).

Martha gets a bad wrap sometimes. Perhaps we should remember her response to Jesus about who He was?

The oldest thing

May 16, 2024

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

The oldest thing I am wearing today is my wedding ring. 28 years old and counting 😀

My wife and I met 29 years ago and we knew within two weeks we would marry. People told us that is too soon to know.

Twenty eight years later I think we were right!

Leading or following?

May 15, 2024

Are you a leader or a follower?

Another good question from WordPress today. Am I a leader or a follower?

In general terms I would say I am mostly a follower. In most of my jobs I have enjoyed being second in charge and supporting my leader or manager.

My heart or the way I am wired is to serve. So I feel most satisfied when I have a leader to serve, support and encourage. I try and lighten their load and help them to be successful.

In my current role as School Chaplain I see my role to provide pastoral care to the school community and to support and encourage the school Principal. If I am taking care of pastoral care the Principal can focus on other things.

Yes there are times when I have been the leader, but in general terms I am wired to follow. When I do serve, I feel most satisfied.

We are all on a journey

May 7, 2024

Philippians 1:6 NLT – And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.

We are all on a journey of growth. None of us are perfect. None of us are without sin. We all fall short at times. But there are two great things we can be assured of in Christ. Firstly, when we fall short and we confess our sin, God forgives us (1 John 1:9). Secondly, we can know God is still working on us. He is constantly chipping away at our faults and weaknesses and shaping us in to the person He wants us to be. Philippians 1:6 reminds us that God has started a good work in us and He will continue to work on us until Jesus returns. Like the image above, we just need to continue to walk with Jesus and then trust His process.

Prayer

Dear God, thank You that You continue to work in me to bring change and growth. I am thankful that You will continue this work until Jesus comes back. Help me to remember that I am Your work in progress. I pray that I will continue to walk with You each day. Amen.