“But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42
Dear Ones:
It was in Jesus’ “high-priestly prayer,” in John 17, that He made a most extraordinary, profound, and fundamental statement, pertaining to our existence and reason for existing: “And THIS is life eternal, that they might KNOW Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” (v.3) Why is the Lord so explicit in this declaration concerning the essence of “eternal life?” It is so that we might be so very clear as to what IS our highest calling, and the reason for which He saves us, that we might truly KNOW Him. But how is this to be realized?
We have mentioned several times the passage in 1 Samuel 3, verse 21: “And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord REVEALED Himself to Samuel in Shiloh, BY THE WORD OF THE LORD.” The revelation of God to the heart of Samuel came in the form of God speaking to Samuel, and through him, to the people. It was by God’s clear declarations, confirmed by the realization of His word, and the conviction which the words brought about in the hearts of Samuel and the people, that He “revealed Himself.”
The two sisters, Mary and Martha, along with their brother Lazarus, loved the Lord Jesus. He loved them. Martha, at one point was overwhelmed by the need at hand, and the lack of resources to meet it. She complained to the Lord about Mary not helping her, even to the point of telling the Lord what to do. Jesus would graciously address Martha’s need to see things from God’s perspective. That perspective is ALWAYS an eternal one. He told her: “…one thing is needful.” (Lk. 10:42) What is this “one thing?” It is the revelation of God to the heart according to His word. That which is most precious, and fundamental, to all that is eternal with regard to one’s experience of Christ, is the KNOWLEDGE of Him, according to the truth of His word. Mary had seen this, and had “chosen” the best, that “good part, which shall NOT be taken away from her.” What is the central point here? It is that God reveals Himself, by the Spirit, according to the truth revealed in the written word of God. Why then is the written Word of God, the Bible, so important?
Paul tells us that “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) “Inspiration” means that God “breathed” it. It is thus that clear vehicle by which His life and blessing are known. It is TRUTH, as Christ is. The weight and worth of that objective declaration of the truth lies in the fact that it is eternal, but also, by virtue of the fact that it is the very expression and revelation of the Eternal One. “The word of the Lord endures forever. And THIS is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” (1 Peter 1:25) But, how does this objective, and eternal word, become in actuality the means by which we KNOW God?
In the book of Revelation, the Lord addressed the church of Ephesus. Though the knowledge of the Gospel was great, and her zeal was remarkable, the church at Ephesus was a bit like Martha. After commending the church for it’s zeal and steadfastness, the Lord would say: “I have somewhat against thee, because you have left your first love.” (Rev. 2:4) For some reason, this church, loved by God, would KNOW the objective truth, but not KNOW daily, and lovingly, communion with the Author of the word. She had ceased from “sitting at Jesus’ feet,” to hear His word for her own heart. There is a great difference between knowing “truth,” and knowing and loving the God of the truth. The Bible is the compilation of the objective truth concerning the revelation of God to man. However, it is only as we trust the Spirit of God to take that truth, and address it to our hearts, that Jesus Christ is truly known. If the objective truth does not lead us to an increasing love for Christ, then we are not rightly oriented to Christ. We need to again take our position at His feet, and reiterate the words of Habakkuk: “I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will WATCH TO SEE what He will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.” (2:1) To such a person God speaks. Habakkuk goes on to say: “And the Lord answered me.” (v.2)
Dear Father, give us grace to see and to understand that the Lord Jesus is so very in earnest to speak to us today, if we would only “…open the door,” when we hear His voice. Guide us in the study and meditation of Thy word, ever sitting at Your feet Lord Jesus, to hear what YOU have to say. We praise and thank Thee that you have called us first and foremost to have fellowship with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad