How does Luke 10:38 relate to Psalm 46:10 about being still before God? Setting the Scene in Luke 10 • “As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home.” (Luke 10:38) • Verses 39-42 show the contrast: – Martha moves about in ministry activity. – Mary “sat at the Lord’s feet listening to His message” (v. 39). • The story begins with hospitality but quickly spotlights the heart-choice between activity and attentive stillness. The Call to Stillness in Psalm 46 • “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted over the earth.” (Psalm 46:10) • Context: amid earth-shaking chaos (vv. 1-9), God commands quiet trust, not frantic effort. • Stillness is not passivity; it is surrendered attention that recognizes His sovereign presence. Connecting the Two Passages • Mary models Psalm 46:10 in action—she becomes still to “know” the Lord, placing listening above serving. • Martha mirrors the turmoil addressed in Psalm 46—“worried and upset about many things” (Luke 10:41). • Jesus’ gentle correction (“only one thing is necessary,” v. 42) echoes God’s call to stillness: prioritize communion over commotion. • Both texts reveal that true knowledge of God surfaces when external motion yields to internal quiet. Lessons for Today’s Disciples • Stillness is a chosen posture, not an accidental pause. • Service is vital, yet must flow from time at His feet; otherwise, service mutates into self-driven stress. • The presence of Christ in our “home” (heart, schedule, ministry) invites listening first, labor second. • Knowing God requires undistracted moments that let His Word and Spirit speak louder than our tasks. • Regular, deliberate stillness recalibrates priorities, aligns emotions, and fuels effective service. Confirming Scriptures • Exodus 14:14 — “The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” • Psalm 37:7 — “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him.” • 1 Kings 19:11-12 — Elijah hears God not in wind, earthquake, or fire, but in a “gentle whisper.” • Isaiah 30:15 — “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” • Mark 3:14 — Jesus appointed the Twelve “that they might be with Him” before He sent them out. |
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