The large stained-glass window on the south side of the Grace sanctuary is an appropriate parable for a Christian. The scene depicts Jesus, seated in the living room of a house, instructing the young lady (Mary) with preaching and teaching. In the background, we glimpse the dining room of the house, with the other sister (Martha) setting the table to serve the guests.
No doubt, some of you will remember the Bible story that the window portrays. Mary took the opportunity to learn from Jesus when the visit of our Savior brought the message of salvation conveniently close to her. Martha was distracted from her time with Jesus because she felt she had to be somewhere other than studying the message of Jesus. Martha had work to do, reputation to uphold, support to provide for Jesus for Mary’s lack of help, and goals to accomplish. When Martha, sensible as she was, complained to Jesus about the situation, Jesus asked her to reconsider the priorities of her lifestyle. First must come the opportunity to hear and learn from our Lord the message of salvation whenever Jesus is available to us.
The months of July, August, September, October, and November are the times of the church year when our worship services focus on the teachings, actions and healings of Jesus. We review the message of salvation as Jesus taught it. Have you been sitting at the feet of Jesus when He came to visit and was available to us? Or have you been distracted with work to do, entertainment to provide, extra schedules to complete, or goals to be accomplished? Our God is making himself available. How about you and me making ourselves available to meet with him?
(Text about the stained glass windows at Grace provided by Pastor Darrel Gerrietts, 1990.)