Romans 15:1-13
We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. 3 For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, “The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.” 4 For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, 6 that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.
8 For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God's truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, 9 and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written,
"Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name." [2 Sam 22:50; Psalm 18:49]10 And again it is said, "Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people." [Deut 32:43]
11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him." [Psalm 117:1]
12 And again Isaiah says, "The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope." [Isaiah 11:10,11; Rev 5:5; 22:16]
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Recently we talked about Martha working away while Mary sat and eagerly listened to the Lord. Martha wasn't happy. We live in a world urging us to win and please ourselves. Even at the feet of Jesus Christ, those who love the Lord have problems with being a servant.
Remember, Jesus let Martha know her heart wasn't absorbing the goodness of God. She was distracted, not just by the work, but with the conflicting emotions of self. Jesus was really pretty gentle with Martha. He asked her to see the larger picture - the Spirit of God. He didn't tell Martha to sit down, to rest; He didn't ask Mary to get up and help. Jesus could have solved a work dilemma with a few suggestions. He asked her to see the better part. Martha did something correctly, too. Martha went to the Lord, with her trouble.
God asks us to seek the one voice, the perfect harmony. Put a group of people together, it's difficult for them to live in harmony. Human nature would say war would become inevitable. Jesus isn't asking for Martha to return to the kitchen with gritted teeth. Jesus isn't asking us to pull the cart by ourselves. Jesus asks for us to look for God's Holy Spirit and live in truthful harmony. How? Prayer. Asking God for help, just as Martha did. With God's help, all things are possible.
Father God, the goodness of Your Kingdom isn't accomplished by one person. Help the body of Christ to glorify You in one voice. With the power of God to encourage us to love and do more than we would imagine. For Your glory, in the power of Jesus Christ.
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
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