When The Lord Comes Late | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

When The Lord Comes Late | Jonathan Cahn Sermon

Finding Balance in Your Spiritual Life: Lessons from Martha and Mary

It’s essential to be active in the Lord’s work—this is something you are called to do. But, the key is not to focus solely on the work itself. The center of our calling lies in what is happening with Mary. Everything you do for the Lord must come from being in His presence.

In the story of Martha and Mary, Martha is shown as someone with an intense, perfectionist attitude. In John 11, when her brother died, she approached Jesus and expressed frustration, saying, “If You had been here on time, my brother would not have died.” Martha’s character reflects a type-A personality—likely someone who manages her time meticulously but is constantly rushed, anxious, and lacking peace.

Jesus responds to Martha, saying, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.” Here, Jesus reveals a profound lesson for us all.

The Greek word for “preoccupied” used in this passage is perispao. It means to be dragged in many directions, symbolizing how Martha, though seemingly in control, was actually overwhelmed and scattered. When we are constantly rushed and caught up in distractions, we lose our sense of peace and purpose. We end up focusing on peripheral things rather than the core, the center—Jesus Himself.

Martha was so focused on preparing for Jesus that she missed the moment when He was already in the house. Her distractions—though they may have seemed necessary—took her away from the most important thing: being with Jesus. In life, it’s easy to get lost in doing things for the Lord, but it’s essential to remember that the ultimate goal is not just “about” the Lord, but to be with Him. He is the center.

Even when you’re working for the Lord, remember that your actions should flow from His presence. Martha’s preparations would have been meaningful if they had come from being with the Lord. But, instead, her focus was on the periphery—the preparations—while the Lord, the center, was right there.

We all must be careful not to let our activities for the Lord distract us from His presence. Martha was anxious and distracted, and while her work wasn’t inherently wrong, it took her away from the Lord’s presence. Jesus’ message to Martha is a reminder: don’t let your work for Him replace the time spent with Him.

In conclusion, balance is key. Being active in the Lord’s work is essential, but always remember that your actions should flow from a place of being in His presence, just as Mary chose the better part. The Lord is the center, and everything you do for Him must come from that center.

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