Exodus 31:1-18; Psalms 79:1-80:19; Acts 18:24-19:20
Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat still in the house. John 11:20
Mary is remarkable for her sitting. Luke records her deliberate choice to sit at the feet of the Lord Jesus, the better to listen to His words. By contrast, Martha missed hearing His voice because she was “distracted” by her service (Luke 10:38-42). In our text, Mary exemplifies the admonition of the psalmist, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him” (Ps. 62:5). She was like Ruth who was told to “Sit still, my daughter, until thou know how the matter will fall” (Ruth 3:18). How Mary’s piety should speak to us! —L. Cain
Master, speak, Thy servant heareth, waiting for Thy gracious word.
Longing for Thy voice that cheereth, Master, let it now be heard. —F. Havergal