20
Jun '25
Rest in the Work
20
Jun '25
Introduction: There is a huge difference in “resting from the work” vs “resting in the work”! Take Martha for example. She learned how to “rest in the work.”
1. First of all, she is all stressed out in the work for the Lord! (Luke 10:38–42) – “But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me. And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things.”
By the way, there is absolutely nothing wrong in what Martha is doing; it’s just how Martha is acting! Honestly, most all of us can relate to Martha. Do you agree? Perhaps the big overarching lesson for us is not neglecting to wait at the feet of Jesus. That must be first and foremost. Is it in your life?
2. Second, she learned how to find rest in the work of the Lord! (John 12:2) – “There they made him a supper; and Martha served: but Lazarus was one of them that sat at the table with him.”
On this occasion, do you know how many people Martha served? 17 people. Compare that with just the 4 persons she served recorded in Luke 10. The bottom line: Martha apparently learned the key to having a “good attitude” while “resting in the work” of the Lord.
Please note: she did not give up and quit serving Jesus. Instead, she discovered how to serve Him without being overly distracted by people and problems. Do you want to discover that glorious REST? This writer does!
3. Finally, she is greatly blessed because of the work of the Lord! (John 11:27) – “She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.”
Lazarus, Mary, and Martha’s brother had died. Four days passed by after they had sent word to Jesus to come to their village of Bethany and see them. In a whirlwind of confusion, Martha greeted Jesus affirming her faith and trust in Him, no matter what had happened! Suffice to say, her faith was rewarded as Jesus called him back to life from the dead.
Somebody said had He not called Lazarus by name, the whole cemetery would have been emptied!
Anyway, Jesus proved that He was indeed the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. Do you believe that?
Conclusion: From our devotion today, clearly, Martha had learned how to get the Victory over complaining. Not only that, but she seemed to be at PEACE from fault-finding and nit-picking people around her. Could it be that our Lord is carrying us through trials and tribulations, along with adversities, to mold us more into His character and image, and thus honor Him?
Our prayer today is, “Lord Jesus, teach us how to REST in Your work for Your glory!”
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese