Spiritual activities can never replace Spiritual intimacy

In the past few weeks, the quote “Spiritual activities can never replace Spiritual intimacy" keeps on playing in my mind. Many of us today are so busy in our service for God and we neglect setting aside time for spiritual intimacy with our Father Who Art in Heaven.

God used the story of two well-known women in the Bible to demonstrate to us the meaning of spiritual activities and spiritual intimacy. There are two set of encounters with Jesus that was recorded in Luke 10 and John 11. Both Mary and Martha were believers in the one true God. Martha was busy in her service for the Master and Mary was spending her time at the feet of Jesus - notice both Luke 10 and John 11 speaks about Mary was at the feet of Jesus.

In John 11, it is pretty interesting to see how Jesus responded to their cry about their brother, Lazarus. Both Martha and Mary said the same thing, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. For Martha’s plea, Jesus responded with a question asking Martha whether she really believe in Him. But to Mary’s cry, Jesus wept. He is moved in compassion. The secret I see in this passage is that Mary had spiritual intimacy – she learns to wait patiently for the Lord and secondly, learn to fall at the feet of Jesus (John 11:32).

In Luke 10, Martha frantically rushes over to interrupt the intimate gathering. Feeling compassion for Martha, Jesus reassuringly says, “Martha, Martha … you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her." After all, if Jesus could feed the 4,000 (Matthew 15:32-39) and the 5,000 (Matthew 14:14-21), then certainly He could handle supper for a house full of people.

Sometimes we just forget how big our God is and we run around with what I call the “Martha Syndrome” trying to make everything just right when all we need to do is just Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not in our own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV)

I pray that we would learn to be like Mary - learn to be still at the feet of Jesus.

Be Blessed.