Sitting at Jesus' Feet

38 Now as they were traveling along, He entered a village; and a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who was seated at the Lord’s feet, listening to His word. 40 But Martha was distracted with [q]all her preparations; and she came up to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to do all the serving alone? Then tell her to help me.” 41 But the Lord answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about so many things; 42 but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10)

Don't be too busy to sit at Jesus' feet and listen to His Word. The previous sentence doesn't even justify the challenge. We're not commanded not to be "too busy" as if yes it's ok to be busy once in a while. It deflects us from the real challenge: Sit at the feet of Jesus, and listen to His Word. Sometimes it's a literal "challenge" for many Christians who are busy doing a lot of things, even things pertaining to kingdom work.

I remember as a kid, one of the least highlights on my weekend is when my family would their elders who I do not know. I had to sit through it. As a kid with a short attention span, watching my parents talk to old people bored me. I had to sit properly on the sofa, but I'm already fidgeting. No toy to play with. No boy or girl to play with. I had to endure it and smile, and when I can't hold it any longer, I'll give a bad eye or throw a tantrum. 

Sometimes we do that in God's presence. We sit in His presence because we have too, lest we brand ourselves as busybodies. But our minds wander, our concentration to God's worship is fluctuates like a light dream, thinking about the next "great" thing our hands could work on, for His kingdom, of course. But I don't think God is pleased at all with that kind of attitude.

I am reminded once again about the importance of sitting at Jesus' feet and listening to His Word. Jesus' response to Martha resonated with me very much, "You are worried and bothered about many things." It's like Jesus is directly saying it to me, "Pat, you are worried and bothered about many things." To sit at Jesus' feet meant to surrender my busy feet doing busy things. Listening meant for me to stop talking and giving direction, and let Jesus teach me and give me direction.

We get so busy sometimes that we already fail to hear and listen to the Master's voice. We assume that Jesus is for us when in reality His distant voice is already warning us. Martha assumed that Jesus was in the zone with her when she asked, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?" It's a rhetorical question of course, and Martha assumed that Jesus was in approval. So much was her delusion that she didn't even let Jesus respond, but concluded and assumed His approval saying, "Then tell her to help me!" (NASB has the conjunction "then"). 

Jesus' responded in a loving correction. Thank God that Jesus corrects us, disciplines us out of His unconditional love for us. "You are worried and upset about many things. But one thing is needed."

Mary, on the other hand, sat at the feet of Jesus, and listened to His Word. This is what it meant for her and for Jesus:

"... but only one thing is necessary, for Mary has chosen the good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:42)

(1) One thing - Jesus directed Martha to the one thing (among few things) that is really important--relationship with Him. The problem is not that Martha was serving, but that she got distracted with the real reason for whom she was serving, snuffing the joy in her and her sister as well. Martha's "many things" "distracted" her from the One that is in their midst--Jesus. 

(2) It is necessary - Sitting at the Lord's feet is not a luxury Christians have. Our life depends on it. Therefore do not just give to the Lord your bare minimum. Don't just spend time with Him, spend quality and extravagant time with Him away from the distractions of the world.

(3) It is good - Nurturing our relationship with Jesus is beneficial for us. Jesus calls it the "good part". Could it be that in your desire to serve Him there are "not so good parts" like busyness?

(4) It is a choice - Sitting at Jesus' feet is a daily choice that we make in the midst of many things. It is a choice, we don't just float into God's presence, but rather most of the time we let the demands of work sweep us away from the most important. Choose to spend time with God daily.

(5) It is fruitful for eternity - Jesus said those who choose to spend time with Him, this privilege and result shall not be taken from them. "I will be with you to the very end of the age." Our busyness (one calls it the tyranny of the urgent) often robs us of eternal perspective and the vastness of God's mission for us. In Paul's writing, it reminds us that every thing is done in the perspective of Christ:

For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. (Colossians 1:16-17) 

Lord, thank You for putting things in perspective again. It's all about You, Jesus. Forgive me when I go ahead in doing exploits for You when you want me first to sit at your feet to listen and receive. Thank you for the privilege of entering the throneroom of the King of Kings, the nerve center of the Commander-in-Chief. Help me value these over the "many things" that distract me. It's all about You, Jesus.

Ignite 2013 Reflections

23 Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.”

Ignite reflection

Last week I got to be part of a very awesome conference called Ignite. Ignite is the bi-annual youth conference of Every Nation. I've been hearing about it for some time and this year, I resolved to be part of it. And praise God because provided the way for me to be in that conference through new found friends in Lifebox ministry.

Ignite 2013 saw the convergence of 9600 students from the Philippines and with that 200+ international students from all over Asia. I remember saying to myself on the first day, after seeing what's before my eyes: "I am on the right track." Meaning, student ministry is the way to go. We cannot neglect the reaching out of students and this needs to continually be realized among the Assemblies of God.

Some of my memorable highlights included the sessions that were powerfully preached by men of God, especially those of Ptr. CJ and Ptr. Steve Murrell. Ptr. CJ is the national director of Lifebox. He talked about a very in-your-face message about sexual purity. Ptr. Steve Murrell, started the Victory movement back in the 80s. One of my "remote" mentors that I consider, I usually read his blogs and to finally listen to hear preach was a blessing. Every moment had something special in them. I have learned new things about putting up a conference like that.

Worship moments were so powerful. What struck me was how unapologetic they are about the gift of tongues. First night, the opening production opened with 3 people praying in tongues! It was so new and powerful. First night also saw the challenge to be baptized in the Holy Spirit. First night also saw the consecration of all the delegates as everyone kneeled down and prayed for holiness to set in their hearts. The theme of the conference by the way is on Holiness - A holy life, a holy calling.

Fun moments included the Kinect Wars where in campus missionaries from different universities battled it out on stage by dancing with Kinect. It was so funny for a while. The conference also had surprise celebrity guests during their halftime shows: Rachel Ann Go, Yeng, Quest, Christian Bautista and Ogie Alcasid, all professing to be born again Christian, saved through Victory.

Along the way I've met some students from Siliman Dumaguete, Ateneo, CEU and UST. I'm so encouraged to know that Lifebox started with students from UST. They say they number now to 400, which is awesome. This is very encouraging because we are set on starting Chi Alpha in UST. What struck me with their conversations is how are they intentional in reaching out to the influencers of the campus like varsities, student councils and school leaders.

As a national campus ministry leader, this conference has made a huge impact in me as an individual and as a leader. This conference widened my vision and showed me what can be possible. It gave me ideas especially on our upcoming conferences in 2014 and 2015. It encouraged me that I'm part of something greater. On the last night I said to my friend "Sila na!" meaning they really pulled it off really well. Part of me was rejoicing with them, so much that I want to be part of them. But I know my place and my purpose. God has placed each one of us for such a time as this. Someone needs to rally our students on our end.

As a campus pastor in University Belt, I am encouraged that we are not alone. To see the body of Christ move in the campus, knowing that you are in arms with other believers, other leaders was something to be thankful about. I have to remind myself that there is no quitting to the cause because someone is already doing it, but like Ptr. Steve Murrell said, it's never enough until everyone hears the gospel. I have to remind myself that there are still many students who need Christ and every Christian movement in University Belt is important to reach this city.

Next week, the opening of classes starts once again. And I praying for more. More students brought into the kingdom of God. According to our capacity, resources and manpower, everything should be mobilized to reach them. According to God's love and power that sustains us, Lord, do great things among our midst.