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emphasized that the subjective side of the religious life has been neglected. There is so much to do that there Is no time for prayer and communion with God. This Is why 110 many of God's people are carrying around empty and hungry hearts. They are unsatisfied because unfilled with the Spirit of Christ. Without disparaging or under– estimating the various forms of Chris– tian work, we may believe that God would rather have us be something to Him than do something for Him. "Only In the sacredness of Inward si– lence does the soul truly meet the se– cret-hiding God. The strength of re– solve, which afterwards shapes life and mixes Itself with action, Is the fruit of those sacred solitary moments when we meet with God alone." en devils (Lk. 8: 2). She is never men– tioned apart from the Identifying word 'Magdalene.' ( 3) The mother of James (Mk. 15:40). (4) Mary of Beth– any, sister of Martha and Lazarus, mentioned by name only In Lk. 10:39: 42; Jn. 11 and 12, but referred to In Mt. 26:7; Mk. 14: 3-9. (5) Mother of Mark and Sister of Barnabas (Acts 12:12). (6) A helper of Paul In Rome (Rom. 16:6)." "There are several indications In the Gospels," says Rev. Henry Burton In The Expositor's Bible, "that Bethany was a favorite resort of Jesus during His Judean ministry, and it Is some– what singular that the only nights that we read He spent in Jerusalem were the night in the garden and the nights He slept in His grave. He preferred the quiet haven of Bethany, and the village home where J esus had frequent welcome seems to be that of Lazarus and his two sisters, for the deep af.. fection Jesus had for the three Im· "Six Marys are to be distinguished in the New Testament," says Dr. Sco– field. " ( 1) Mary, the mother of Jesus, always clearly Identified by the con– text. ( 2) Mary Magdalene, a woman of Mag– daia, out of whom went sev– COMMENTS SELECTED By Keith L. Brooks
ine Martha and Mary going about the house, arranging every detail for the Master's comfort, in happy anticipation of his promised visit. When the Mas– ter comes heartsick and sad from con– tact with those who misunderstood him, he finds the home In perfect order and every thing prepared for his comfort. There Is one discordant note however, a misplaced emphasis in one heart that fails to recognize his deepest need. Martha, In her anxiety to have every– thing at its best, has become flustered and nervous and has failed to prepare her mind and heart for that highest service which the Lord seeks at her hands, viz., listening to his teaching and the reception of the truth. She Is rush– ing around, "distracted with much serv– ing," seeking to prepare a great feast for the Master. Coming In where Mary Is sitting at the Master's feet a rapt and attentive listener, the scene jars upon her over-taxed nerves and In a burst of Impatience she exclaims, "Lord, Is It nothing to you that my sister hath left me to do all the work alone? Bid her therefore that she help me." The loving heart of Jesus is touched. Look– ing Into Martha's flushed and troubled face, he sees physical weariness and mental distress and though he appreci– ates the service she seeks to render, he sees her danger and mistake. Gent– ly repeating h er name In affectionate reproof, he replies, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things; but one thing Is needful and Mary hath chosen that good part." We have looked upon this familiar pic– ture many times and no doubt given our sympathy to Martha but we ought to heed the note of warning In the Saviour's rebuke. Our churches and homes are full of sincere and mistaken Marthas who have a wrong idea of what constitutes the true spirit of service. True devotion consists not In "much serving," but in attitude of soul. Service of all kinds has been so over
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