Martha of Bethany

Will – Martha of Bethany 
With Leddy Hammock and Sue Riley 

Martha of Bethany seems to be the original “Type A” personality with her “to do” lists and firm convictions of how things should be done and when.  Do you recognize yourself?  We sure can see ourselves in Martha when we derive great satisfaction by crossing out items on our “to do” lists and feel that we have completed what we wanted to see accomplished.  But, how often do any of us allow ourselves a pause, time to recharge and listen to what Spirit is urging us to do in support of a higher purpose?  We can choose to do this when we will.  Join us as we learn how Martha of Bethany, a woman of power, learns to let go of the steering wheel for a short time. 

Will – Martha of Bethany 

Martha’s conversation with Jesus about the Resurrection is essential Christian Idealist theology.  “Sister of Lazarus and of Mary of Bethany;” “lady;” governess; rebellious one.’’  “Martha and Mary represent the outer and the inner phases, respectively, of the soul’s activity in welcoming the inner spiritual teacher.  The soul, established in love, is always quick to discern the presence of true thoughts, and it welcomes the spiritual . . . teacher, who brings Truth.  It is also in a receptive attitude toward understanding.  Martha represents the outer activity of the soul that is receiving the higher self….  Both of these activities are necessary.” 

[Jesus] “entered a village where a woman whose name was Martha welcomed him.   
She had a sister named Mary (who) sat beside the Lord at his feet listening to him speak.  Martha, burdened with much serving, came to him and said, ‘Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me by myself to do the serving?  Tell her to help me.’  The Lord said to her in reply, ‘Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about many things.  There is need of only one thing.  Mary has chosen the better part and it will not be taken from her” (Luke 10:38-42). 

Lord, purify my will, so that I will remember that you are in charge, not me. 

“Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when he heard that he was ill, he remained for two days in the place where he was. Then after this he said to his disciples, ‘Let us go back to Judea.’”  [Lazarus died before Jesus arrived in Bethany.] 
“When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him ….  Martha said to Jesus, ‘Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. (But) even now I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you” (John 11:5-22). 

Lord, purify my will, so that I will remember not to try to tell You how to answer my prayers. 

“Jesus said to her, ‘Your brother will rise.’ Martha said to him, ‘I know he will rise, in the resurrection and on the last day.  Jesu told her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life; whoever believes in me, even if he dies, will life, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.  Do you believe this?’  She said to him, ‘Yes, Lord, I have come to believe . . . .’  When she had said this, she went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, ‘The teacher is here and is asking for you’” (John 11:20-8). 

Lord, purify my will, so that I will not try to tell You what to do  
or tell others what You want them to do. 

Jesus said, ‘Take away the stone.’  Martha, the dead man’s sister, said to him, ‘Lord, by now there will be a stench; he has been dead for four days.’  Jesus said to her, ‘Did I not tell you that if you believe you will see the glory of God? . . . .  Untie him and let him go’” (John 11:39-44). 

Lord, purify my will, so that I do not try to bind others to my will.  
Your will for me is good and only good!   
Lord, not my will, but Thine be done.