God loves us the way we are

Emma was not always content with the talents God had given her. However, reading the family story of Mary, Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:38-42.) transformed her life.

The three young people were friends of the Lord Jesus and lived in a town near Jericho. Martha was a hospitable woman, who took charge of the comforts of home and hearth. She poured her energy into serving houseguests, ensuring that the family was fed and comfortable. Martha’s personality was of a doer.  She was a capable young woman who was practical and took charge of the family without being told.

In contrast, her sister Mary appeared to be a thinker.  She was interested in ideas.  When the Lord Jesus visited their home, Mary would spend time sitting at Jesus’ feet absorbing His teaching—which was unusual for a woman in those days. Mary opened her mind and heart to what Jesus taught.  Much to Martha’s dismay, Mary was of no help when the Lord Jesus and his disciples entered their home as her only desire was to listen and learn from Him. Emma learnt that both these women spent their time and energy differently because they had unique personalities, strengths, and gifts. They expressed their love for Jesus in different ways. Yet both Martha and Mary recognized that the Lord Jesus had power to heal and answer prayers.

When their brother Lazarus became sick they sent a message to Jesus asking him to come.  Jesus came four days too late. Martha on seeing Jesus said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask of Him.” Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead.

Emma learnt that in spite of their differences in personality, Jesus unconditionally accepted and loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus for who they were. Jesus interacted with them differently. In intimacy with God we begin to love ourselves the way we are.