Bible Study Review: Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World - Jun. 17, 2009
Posted in Inspirations
This week, my Bible Study group will be finishing a twelve-week study that has been heart-changing for all of us. To tell you the truth, we weren’t sure what to expect out of this study. Although we are all women in our group, we’ve been shying away from studies directed at women. We already grasp the “honor your husband” and “manage your home” concepts, but after back-to-back intense studies written by Philip Yancey, we were ready for something different. Maybe even something a little on the light side.
For about two weeks, my friend Amy and I poured over information about different studies. We prayed for guidance on what to choose. We read description after description on website after website. We prayed some more. Then we went to a local Family Christian Bookstore to wander around and page through the books there, still undecided. We’d found many studies that looked great, but nothing that really jumped out at us, so a field trip to the bookstore seemed like a good idea. And it was!
Sitting on the top shelf of the women’s section with its simple, unassuming cover was a title that just screamed, “Pick me, pick me!” Honestly, we barely paged through it before deciding. We loved the title and our gut instinct the voice of the Holy Spirit loudly said this is the perfect “light” study you’re looking for. By the way, did you know that the word “light” is relative? The Holy Spirit’s vision of “light” and our vision of “light” are two different things. But, we didn’t know that at the time so we were easily sucked in. I’m so glad we were!
We pitched the book to the rest of the group, and with everyone in agreement, started twelve weeks about Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World. I was a bit apprehensive, however. I’d never done a study that wasn’t DVD-driven. Would I really be able to find time to read the book every week and answer the questions beforehand? I had my doubts, but was willing to give it a try. Let’s face it; this was supposed to be light and fluffy anyway. How much would I actually have to think? Famous last words.
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World has been a wonderful journey filled with twists and turns none of us ever expected. Joanna Weaver did a beautiful job of creating a book whose spiritual depth sneaks up on you. She appeals to the Martha in all of us with short chapters broken into even shorter segments that fit into the busiest of schedules. Then, she hits you with scripture that awakens the Mary sleeping deep within your heart. I really hadn’t expected so much from so little.
Do you know the story of Martha and Mary? In case you’ve forgotten their story, let me share it with you here.
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’
‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing I needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.’” Luke 10:38-42
Isn’t it amazing that this story is only five verses? Yet, those five verses have been known to ruffle the feathers of many women who cannot understand why Jesus sided with the lazy Mary instead of the industrious Martha. And, I’m one of them! I would often wonder, “What was He thinking chastising Martha? She’s just trying to serve Him! Someone’s got to do the work. Besides, if Mary would have just gotten up to help, then they both could have listened.” Every woman I have ever spoken to about this story has echoed those same words almost verbatim. How wonderful for Lord to hear our lack of understanding and provide enlightenment through Joanna Weaver and her book!
Now, I’m not going to spoil the surprises buried deep in this book by revealing too much, but I do want to give you a peak at some of the lessons you’ll learn in Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World.
When we finished the first week, and I finally understood what was behind Jesus’ rebuke of Martha in the story, I was concerned about being bored for the next eleven weeks. After all, how many times does the light switch need to be flipped if the light is already on? No need for concern. Ms. Weaver artfully weaves lessons throughout the book that deepens your understanding of God’s desire for an intimate relationship with each one of us and just how to achieve that relationship. Instead of flipping the lightswitch on over and over again each week, Joanna Weaver keeps turning up the brightness. Be prepared to examine just about every corner of your life: your heart, your schedule, your history, your motives, and your relationship with Jesus Christ. Be prepared for what my dear friend Wendy “lovingly” calls “God Smacks.” And, be prepared for changes you never thought you’d experience. Yes, it really is that good!
By the way, while I highly recommend reading Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World, I do not recommend it as a large group study. We have a very small group of six ladies, and that is perfect for us. This study encourages discussion, and a small group setting of six or eight participants would probably work best.
Thank you for stopping by! I’m sorry to say that this is our last week for Bible Study until Fall. Summer schedules are so haphazard and crazy that we’re taking a break. However, feel free to join me in reading My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chamber and The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck, and in re-reading Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss over the summer. Hopefully, these three books aren’t too ambitious of an undertaking for me. I like to be able to focus when I’m reading so I don’t miss a single treat the authors have hidden in the pages of their books!
Betty
Peace and grace be yours in abundance. 1Peter1:2b
