Principal's Ponderings

Sometimes We Need to Just Sit

As we come to the end of another vibrant school term, I want to invite us all to pause and reflect on a beautiful story from Luke 10, the story of Mary and Martha. It is a story that holds an important lesson for each of us, especially in the busyness of life, work and even school.

Scripture references:

Luke 10:38-42, John 11, John 12:1-7 and Psalm 6

Or watch it: 

Why not download The Chosen app and watch it here (it's free!) Season 4 Episode 5 

In this account we find Martha, who is diligently working to serve Jesus. She is running around, making sure everything is just right, while her sister Mary chooses a different posture. Mary sits at the feet of Jesus, listening and soaking in His presence. Martha, understandably frustrated, asks Jesus to tell Mary to help. But Jesus’ response gently redirects Martha, and us too: 'Martha, Martha, you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed — or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.' (Luke 10:41-42).

Now, please don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with serving and doing, in fact we all need our communities to have us doing this! But what this story reminds us is that sometimes, we get so busy doing things for God, that we forget to spend time with Him. Busyness can become a badge we wear, but we have to ask ourselves, should it be?

Mary had chosen to place herself at Jesus’ feet, a posture of worship, reverence and intimacy. To sit at someone’s feet in ancient times symbolised submission, humility and attentiveness. For Mary, it was a declaration that being with Jesus, worshipping Him, was her highest priority.

We see this same heart of worship in another powerful moment in Mary’s life, at the tomb of her brother, Lazarus. In John 11, we see Mary deeply grieving over the loss of her brother. Yet, when she hears that Jesus is near, she does not hesitate! She rushes to Him, falls at His feet in her sorrow and worships Him. Even in her crisis, her response is worship.

David, in Psalm 6, reflects this same pattern of turning to God in worship during times of deep grief and struggle. 'Turn, Lord, and deliver me; save me because of your unfailing love' (Psalm 6:4). David knew, as Mary did, that true worship happens not only in moments of joy but also in moments of heartache and trial. He brought his deepest hurts and grief to God, laying them at His feet.

Friends, sometimes life gets overwhelming. There are seasons of trial, of deep hurt and even of exhaustion from all the 'doing'. But in those moments, Jesus invites us to stop, to sit at His feet, and worship. As Job declared, 'Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him' (Job 13:15). Worship is not dependent on our circumstances. It is a heart posture, a focus on Jesus, knowing that when we look at Him, everything else falls into perspective. He is big, and our worries are small in comparison to His greatness.

Mary teaches us a vital lesson about real worship. In John 12, we see her again, this time anointing Jesus’ feet with costly perfume. Her devotion, her love, her worship, poured out at the feet of Jesus.

So as we close out this term, let us remember to take time to sit at Jesus’ feet. Let us be people who worship Him in the busyness, in the trials, in the quiet moments. As the great Christian leader A.W. Tozer once said, 'Worship is no longer worship when it reflects the culture around us more than the Christ within us.'

May we choose the better thing, like Mary. May we fall at His feet in every season of life, knowing that He is worthy of all our praise (download The Chosen App these holidays and Watch Episode Five in Season 4).

Have a blessed and safe Spring break - see you back at school for Term Four on Tuesday October 15th.

Shalom, shalom.

Chad Smit | Principal