Mine! Mine! All mine!

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)


Yes, I hear that a lot in the childcare business. Pairs of hands holding on tight to one toy; glaring eyes, gritting baby teeth, straining little arm muscles. No way is either one giving up - even with my stern intervention! Having this certain toy is more important than any disciplinary or threatening look from  any other.

It reminds me of two different bible perspectives. In the verse shared at the top of this post, our dear Mary has chosen what is best and it will not be taken from her. Jesus is approving of her heart attitude in what she has chosen. More important than the best food or the cleanest house, more important - is that she spends time with the One she loves. Martha loves Jesus too, but her heart (and her attitude/focus which is reflecting what she sees as most important) is bent on perfecting the best of the best conditions. Setting the stage for a good time instead of just being in the good time - which is what just being in Jesus' presence is ...good.

Mary's tender heart toward Jesus and her desire to be with Him will not be diminished by things "to do". She will be rewarded by His attention to her. She has chosen what is best and it will not be taken from her.

Now, on the other hand, Jesus has a hold on you and will not, will not let you go! No one and nothing can snatch you out of His hand (John 10:29). There will be no childcare provider stepping in to break the two of you apart. I have called you by name and you are mine (Isaiah 43:1). Mine! Mine! All mine! Nothing can separate you from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus.

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:37-39).

So unlike my two little toddlers who have much to learn about the world, we can be confident in the love of God that is above and beyond this place, and beyond what we can ask or imagine (Ephesians 3:19-21). And it is a forever and eternal holding on to you. Try as they might, there is no power that can take you away from His arms.