Listen

While Jesus and his disciples were traveling, Jesus entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed him as a guest. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his message.

Luke 10:38-39

Think

When I worked as a resident assistant in college, we had an open door policy. If staff members’ doors were open, any undergrads in the dorm could feel welcome to come in, chat, laugh, ask questions, and receive our care.

Martha welcomed Jesus into her home. That was actually a bold move, welcoming this radically-loving rabble-rouser into her home.

But it’s her sister, Mary, who becomes the one that actually hosts Jesus. Because Mary is willing to sit and listen to what Jesus has to say.

There were days in my senior year of college when my door was open, but with class work piling up, I knew I wouldn’t be the most thoughtful host if someone came to visit.

Amidst the busyness of our lives, like Martha, we genuinely want to welcome God’s presence. Yet are we willing to do what’s required to actually host God and let that grace dwell in our hearts? Are we willing to sit and listen to God, hosting the idea of how God’s grace might move and change us?

Molly Logan

Pray

Gracious and loving God, I welcome you. Help me to simply be still and listen to you, so that I might host your goodness, mercy, and love. Amen.

Go

Lord, you have examined me. You know me. You know when I sit down and when I stand up. Even from far away, you comprehend my plans. You study my traveling and resting. You are thoroughly familiar with all my ways. There isn’t a word on my tongue, Lord, that you don’t already know completely. You surround me—front and back. You put your hand on me.

Psalm 139:1-5

God knows you and loves you.

Receive and live in the reality of that gracious encounter and embrace today.