Last week, or maybe it was two weeks ago, or three… it all kind of runs together in this time of social isolation… we were sitting together as a family watching the free online presentation of Jesus by Sight and Sound Theaters.  Over the years, Pam and I have occasionally splurged to see the lavish Biblical dramas that Sight and Sound stages at their Millennium Theater in Lancaster County, PA with its massive 300-foot wrap around stage.  The tickets are pricey, like $65 per person, which is a little rich for my blood, particularly for a family of six. But I have consistently found that by about 15 minutes into the presentation, I’ve forgotten about the cost of the ticket and by the end of the first act, I’m caught up in the drama and music and by the end of the production I leave a very satisfied customer.

Whenever I watch plays, movies or read books based on Bible stories, I find them thought provoking.  Many times, the narrative of the gospels is pretty sparse, so adding accurate cultural elements or even a sanctified imagination of what the scene might have looked like really makes the Bible come to life.  Such was the case for me when the actors engaged that oh-so-familiar story of Mary and Martha in Luke 10.   You know the one.  Jesus and the disciples are coming to Mary and Martha’s house for dinner. When the everyone arrives, Martha is in the kitchen immersed in dinner and hosting preparations while Mary is listening at Jesus’ feet.  Martha complains to Jesus and asks that Mary be sent to help her with the preparations and Jesus replies, with that beautiful and tender rebuke:

 “Martha, Martha, 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 10:41-42)

The part of the staging that caught my attention in the Jesus production was the busyness and pressure that Martha felt in that moment.  Jesus was an honored, much loved and familiar guest, so Martha wanted things special.  The disciples were typical young men- hungry, a little socially clueless and they were going to eat a LOT of food. The arriving guests were weary and had been traveling for quite a distance, so a servant was busy washing feet amid the general chaos of arrival- greeting, hugging, and excited conversation. In the midst of this, Martha labored on.

As a recovering Martha, I get it.  In the Love Languages assessment, I’m an “acts of service” guy. Give me a task, and I’ll do it. It seems like there are always 150 things that demand my attention, things that absolutely have to get done BEFORE I meaningfully engage in relationship with Jesus (and others). And like Martha, I often think that my serving is the best expression of loving God, when, in fact, it is pulling me away from the type of intimate fellowship that I was created to enjoy with Him.

“Only one thing is needed.”

Now, here’s a frank admission.  I hope you can handle this kind of honesty from a “man of the cloth.”  But, even in this season of social distancing, when so many responsibilities and tasks have been stripped away, I still struggle to be still with God.  it’s frustrating, but true. I think I’ve been conditioned for so long to be busy, to work, to be productive, to be doers, that even in a season of enforced rest, I feel restless and edgy, unable to sit still.  In my true heart I desire God, but like Paul’s struggle with the flesh in Romans 7:18- “I have the desire to do what is good, but [find that] I cannot carry it out.” Am I the only one experiencing this?

“Only one thing is needed.”

But when I sit at the feet of Jesus, I experience rest.  I experience peace. I find a new center, my joy returns. my stress decreases, my anxiety lessens, my faith strengthens.  I experience that his “yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30) and I find “rest for my soul (v. 29). Who doesn’t want that?

There’s an amazing verse that I’ve committed to memory that reminds me of God (and my) true heart’s desire.

My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” Psalm 27:8

During this COVID-19 crisis, there are two sets of people.  Those who have been laid off and are going stir-crazy, and those who are putting in crazy hours serving in high stress areas. For those who are experiencing a season of forced inactivity, remember that “Only one thing is needed.” And that thing is not binge watching Netflix, re-organizing your closets or making and consuming high calorie comfort food.  The first priority is time with Jesus.

And for those who are insanely busy and stressed, may you experience love, joy, and peace of the Savior as you sneak away whenever you can to sit at Jesus’ feet.