Oh my dearest sweet poet sister Judy.
Grapehound, did you know Judy loves poetry?
I have to agree with Grape regarding our Sister Martha. To give you some Scripture on the assessment, we have only to look to see who the Lord rose Lazarus for. Was it for Martha or her sister that chose the better part, to sit and listen, yet she did not come running to the Lord as Martha did! Look. I'd go as far to say Babylon also chooses the better part and sits, listens and doesn't go out to the Lord, or obey and revere Him, and when it does go out to the Lord eventually, it is with a train of crying professionals who complain, weap and maon their demands upon the Lord! Enough to make anyone weep!
That is not to discount or overlook the insight that the condition of the heart whereby Martha complains about Mary, was seen by our Lord as only He can see the condition of our hearts!
...as noted by our brother Grape.
Sure Martha’s sister chose the better part yet like the son who says yes yes, Father and then disobeys, who is the son more blessed. The one to say no and then obeys!
Sure Martha is anxious and troubled about many things as too are those entering the Kingdom of God are under trials and tribulations not un -wearily or with diplomatic immunity to the strain and pain! God did not send Jesus an anesthetic to go to the Cross. In fact He rejected such pain avoiding pacifiers!
Joh 11:39 Jesus said,
Take ye away the stone. MARTHA, the sister of him that was dead, saith unto him, Lord, by this time he stinketh: for he hath been dead four days.
Joh 11:40 Jesus saith unto her,(MARTHA)
Said I not unto thee, that, if thou wouldest believe, thou shouldest see the glory of God? Joh 11:41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said,
Father, I thank Thee that thou hast heard Me.Judy, your honesty resounds in vivid feelings, hurts and expressions of desire for Him your King of Peace and Hope of Glory. I had no idea that I could be experienced as you describe!!
I had a real lift of joy from your disclosure that I “push your envelope” and that you feel “stretched”….because I could feel your love shine through the pain that certainly would be part of feeling the way you describe! I didn’t know! I had no idea! I’d also feel the same! You don’t know if you should love or hate me!....Loving me makes it feel like you are saying the pain is okay and hating me just makes the pain worse! Pretty nasty! I feel for you Judy! I really think I understand. That is tormenting!
Look, God has got you exactly where He wants you and make no deceived mistake about it, God has me where He wants me too! I just haven’t told anyone where that place is in broad detail! If you want to know then, you’ll wish I hadn’t said anything because it is just too much for my closest relatives to bear who have headed for the hills, denied me and turned from me. If my life were a picture of bliss, ease and spiritual relaxation, then oh boy, I’d have the family, the worldly family all at the table! They are not there. I sup with the Lord alone as you do, as others here do and as we are most profoundly blessed to be doing!
My life is not easy! It is very far from certain or sure. That’s where God has me. Nothing is easy for those God is preparing for His Kingdom ~ yet it is possible ~ all things are possible for our God.
Grape I don’t care where I am on your prayer list ~ just as long as I’m a permanent resident in there somewhere ~ I find comfort to know that all BT Forum Members are in Ray’s prayers for us!
God hears us.
Affectionately
Deborah