Part 5
John 12
Martha: no cumbrance or complaining calling for reproof, but unselfish love waiting upon the desires of His heart. The one thing needful learned, her ministering to Him shines now as acceptable service in the glittering galaxy of communion, worship, service, the essentials for that Bethany supper prepared for Him. Not “many things,” but one object sought after, her example tells us that Christ Himself (surely our one object in a coming eternity) should here and now win from our lives such grateful service as the love that bore the sufferings, of the cross demands, namely: that we should be at His disposal, and saved for His pleasure, having hearts that covet the joy of constantly gratifying His every wish, and by such service honoring Him in a scene where bold scorning or cold indifference sadly contrast with—Communion—the mutual joy of loving hearts; the being in His company for the simple joy of it—with Worship—the homage of the heart to which He has become “the preciousness” (1 Peter 2:7, N. Tr.)—with Service—testimony flowing out of communion, devoted regard for his interests, serving His heart, studying His pleasure. We are warned against objectors, such as Judas; all who are mere followers by profession—betrayers as with a “kiss” —terming only that service which regards human advantage, for “poor”, and as “waste” the heart’s, lofty purpose to gratify Him only, against those who bear no such mark of true service, as Paul’s “humility,” “tears,” etc. (Acts 20:17-35). On the other hand, we are encouraged to treasure in the secret of our souls, the heavenly incentive, His words, “Me ye have not always,” should exercise over our lives.
In the heaven we soon shall enter, there will be no reproach, no cross to bear, or shame to suffer for His sake; no world to refuse, or self to deny. It is only here we have Him to honor by identifying ourselves with His rejection, by standing for Him amid the hatred and antagonism of enemies of the cross of Christ; seizing the brief opportunity to have “fellowship with His sufferings” before it passes forever, to be succeeded by the fellowship of His glory.
Bethany! dear Bethany, the Christ of God was there to share their happiness, and still it is His joy to manifest His loving presence where He is welcomed by hearts desiring His company, because attracted to His Person. A feast for Him His loved ones spread (John 21:9-12), Whose love is not chilled by being undeserving on their part.
The gracious appeal of His feast for them is well calculated to lift dull spirits to His presence. They were cold; He knew it. Hungry; He knew it. Fearful; He knew it. Ashamed; He knew it. But the same as before, their Lord was thinking of them, spreading for them a table of refreshment.
Companionship—with our risen and glorious Head, desired by Him, so blessed for us, even amid Laodicean abhorrent conditions—may to His joy and ours be experienced yet. That He should be outside (Rev. 3:20) shows what recreant hearts are ours; that He should “knock” shows the measureless love that will not be denied His desire of companying with those He loves so dearly; presenting Himself and the purpose of His love to sup with us, sharing, feeling, bearing the pressure of our earthly pilgrimage. Then to “sup with Him” in the heavenly scenes where fellow-participation in joys unending will forever satisfy the Eternal Lover and His loved ones.
(Concluded)