(John 11:32 NIV) When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.”
This morning we continue our new series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing with the story of Mary and Martha. Yesterday we saw how Jesus did not get anywhere with Martha and how He asked to speak to Mary. I told you that I believe Jesus was looking for a trigger from one of the two sisters to move on their behalf. He was ready, willing, and able to resurrect Lazarus, but He was looking for something; some act on the part of the sisters that would move Him to action.
When Mary got word that Jesus was asking for her she immediately went to see Him. Mary was in the middle of mourning and all those mourning with her followed her. The Bible says that some thought she was going to the tomb to continue mourning, but she was actually going out to meet Jesus. Jesus had not made it into town yet. He was still waiting just out of town, in the same place where He met Martha.
When Mary arrived, there He was, God in the flesh, waiting on the second sister and hoping that she would trigger Him to move in their lives. Martha had come, held a long conversation with Jesus, but had done nothing but frustrate Him. He attempted several times to get her to understand that He was ready to resurrect Lazarus, but she just didn’t get it. Mary had her shot now. When she got to the place where Jesus was she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.” That’s it, that’s all she said. If you look through this entire story you will see that these are the only words that Mary uttered. As a matter of fact, these are the SAME 12 words that her sister had spoken when she first saw Jesus. But somehow they were different. When Martha said these 12 words nothing happened. When Martha said them it caused Jesus to enter a lengthy discussion with her, trying to get her to see what He was really up to, but she never really got it. But Mary was different. All she had to say was 12 words.
Although WHAT she said was exactly the same, HOW she said it was completely different. Mary had spoken these 12 words from her knees. Mary was in a position of worship. The mourners that followed her were there. They were expecting Mary to fuss as Jesus like Martha had, but Mary did not fuss. Her words were words of surrender. She fell down at His feet, the place of surrender and worship, and expressed her pain. She cried as she laid there at His feet and tomorrow we will see that Jesus’ reaction to Mary was completely different from His reaction to Martha. Mary released everything she had, everything she was feeling, all the pain she was carrying, and all the hurt that was haunting her, as she laid at His feet in worship. Jesus could not help but be moved by that.
So what does this mean to you today? It means that worship is powerful and necessary in your walk with God. You were created to worship Him and He expects you to worship, to praise, and to maintain your relationship with Him, no matter what happens. I have shared with you before that you may not be able to praise God FOR everything, but it is definitely God’s will that You praise Him IN everything (1 Thes 5:18). Mary worshipped and it caused God to move in her life. Does it look like you have tried everything else? Then why not try worship?
Closing Confession: Father, Your Word says that You are looking for true worshippers. I am one/ I worship You with a pure heart. I worship You at all times. I come to You as my King, my Ruler, my Daddy, and my God. I acknowledge no other gods and I call upon no other name. You alone are Lord in my life. You alone sit on the throne and I will worship You all the days of my life! I may not be able to give You thanks FOR all things, but I will praise You IN all things, at all times, and in every situation. I will never cease to praise and worship You. My worship enables me to release all the pain, frustration, and weight that the cares of this world put on me. As I worship You I am free and as You receive the worship, You move in my life! I declare this by faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
