Luke 10:38-42 Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village… I. LOVE AT LEISURE. When the evening comes on, and all the members of the family are around the fireside, then have rests and communes, forgetting all care, happily at home, oblivious of the outside world, and of time itself. Like Mary — 1. We would feel ourselves quite at home with Jesus our Lord. 2. We would be free from worldly care — leaving all with Jesus. 3. We would even be free from the care of His service, the battle for His kingdom, and the burden of the souls committed to our charge. 4. We would sweetly enjoy the happy leisure which He provides for us, as we muse upon the rest-giving themes which He reveals so clearly, and makes so true to us. (1) His work for us, finished, accepted, abidingly effectual, and perpetually overflowing with priceless blessings. (2) His great gifts received, which are greater than those to come. (3) All other needful and promised benedictions of grace, sure to come in due season (Romans 8:32). (4) All our future, for time and for eternity, safe in His dear hands. Let us, without fear, enjoy leisure with Jesus — leisure, but not laziness — leisure to love, to learn, to commune, to copy. Leisure in a home where others are cumbered (see verses 40-42). Leisure to sit, and to sit in the most delightful of all places. II. LOVE IN LOWLINESS. "At Jesus' feet." In this let each one copy Mary. Let me be, not a busy housewife and manager, which any one may be, and yet be graceless; but. — 1. A penitent, which is an acknowledgment of my unworthiness. 2. A disciple, which is a confession of my ignorance. 3. A receiver, which is an admission of my emptiness. III. Love LISTENING — "And heard His word." She could not have heard if she had not been at leisure to sit, nor if she had not been lowly, and chosen to sit at His feet. Be it ours to hear that love-word which says, "Hearken, O daughter, and consider" (Psalm 45:10). Listening to what Jesus says in His Word, in His creation, in His providence, and by His Spirit in our soul. Listening to Himself. Studying Him, reading His very heart. Listening, and not obtruding our own self-formed thoughts, notions, reasonings, questionings, desires, and prejudices. Listening, and forgetting the observations and unbeliefs of others. Listening, and bidding all cares lie still, that they may no more disturb the reverent silence of the heart. How sweet! How instructive! How truly "the good part"! IV. Love IN POSSESSION. 1. In full enjoyment. 2. In perfect satisfaction. 3. In full assurance. (C. H. Spurgeon.) Parallel Verses KJV: Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. |
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