What is God saying in the pandemic? Some say COVID-19 is a biblical plague, that God is judging sin. Although he judges sin, Scripture doesn’t always connect sickness with specific sins. For others, the pandemic means the end of the world is coming. But God’s Word lends itself to multiple interpretations. Various explanations exist for what is happening and why. Although I don’t have the ultimate word on what God is saying, I’m certain he’s speaking. And we need to tune our ears to hear what he’s saying. Discernment was also tricky for Martha and Mary, even when Jesus was physically present. (Luke 10:38-42) What can we learn from them about how to hear God?

Redefining Expectations

When Jesus and his disciples stopped in Bethany for dinner, Martha was eager to show her honor and hospitality. Mary looked forward to hearing the famous rabbi speak. Although women could listen to Torah taught in the synagogue, rabbinical teaching wasn’t part of their education. Females received training in the domestic arts and carried the major load when guests dropped in for a meal. Hosting a famous teacher was an honor, one Martha and Mary accepted with joy. Still, feeding 16 people was hard work. Not only did first-century Jewish culture expect Mary to assume her place in the kitchen, but Martha did also. So, when Martha noticed Mary’s absence, she was more than a little irritated.

Where did Mary find the courage to sit in the same room with the men? Had she heard how Jesus healed Peter’s mother-in-law (Luke 4:38-39)? Or was she privy to the story of how he took pity on the widow of Nain? He’d done the impossible for an improbable individual; he’d brought a destitute woman’s son back to life (Luke 7:11-17). Possibly she knew the rumors about when he healed the bleeding woman and raised Jairus’ daughter from the dead (Luke 8:40-56). Jesus expressed his counter-cultural care for women everywhere he went. Maybe Mary sensed that he recognized the worth of women. Whatever the reason, she made a place for herself at Jesus’ feet, demonstrating her desire to be his disciple.

Derailed by Distractions

Mary focused on Jesus’ words.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.

Luke 10:40

So, Martha complained to Jesus that Mary let his teaching distract her from her primary responsibility, which was kitchen duty. Rather than mediate between the sisters, Jesus redirected Martha’s attention to her misplaced priorities.

Martha, Martha, 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

Was Martha jealous because she too would rather sit and listen to Jesus? Did she criticize Mary because she ignored tradition? Or had Martha allowed her service to become self-serving? Was she more concerned about making a good impression than meeting the needs of her guests? Whatever the cause, distractions derailed her heart.

Messages from Martha and Mary

Do you identify more with Martha or Mary? Even quiet, studious types like Mary can struggle to recognize God’s voice. Despite the determination to devote our full attention to communicating with God, distractions can derail us. Runaway emotions and worries can give us monkey minds regardless of our temperament. What we do doesn’t determine who we are. Instead, the reverse is true. How can we get our being and doing in the right order? God wants to help us answer that question. He’s always speaking. How can we hear what he’s saying?

• Experience God’s presence by focusing on him. Tuning in to God’s voice requires we shut out potential distractions. We might repeat the Jesus Prayer (Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner) or another brief prayer to center our minds. As Mother Teresa said:

Listen in silence because if your heart is full of other things, you cannot hear the voice of God.

Mother Teresa

• Expect God to speak through his Word, his Spirit, his people, and circumstances. We must keep our eyes, ears, hearts, and minds alert. Brother Lawrence called it “practicing the presence of God.”
• Examine the “coincidences.” We often miss God’s answers because we forget to connect our prayers to what happens in our lives. But beware of contradictions. God’s answers will never contradict the principles in his Word.
• Exercise our listening muscles. Practice won’t make perfect, but it will mean progress in our ability to hear God speak.

What do you hear God saying in this pandemic? I’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts in the comment box below or email me at nancy@nancylucenay.com.