Scripture Readings: Amos 8:11 & Luke 10:38–42 & Colossians 1:24–29
Today we begin with a word from the prophet Amos: “The days are coming,’ declares the Sovereign Lord, ‘when I will send a famine through the land not a famine of food or a thirst for water, but a famine of hearing the words of the Lord.’” (Amos 8:11)
A famine of hearing, not speaking. A famine of listening, not absence of words. It is one that speaks to our time, when so many voices compete for our attention, and yet the voice of the Lord can be drowned out, ignored, or forgotten.
But God, in His mercy, has not left us in silence. In Jesus Christ, God speaks clearly, tenderly, and powerfully. As we begin, may we come with that same hunger for a deeper hearing of God’s voice. A voice that still speaks. A voice that still calls. A voice that still saves. Let us not be a people starving for the Word when Christ is right here among us.
In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus chose to pause and visit Martha and Mary’s house, a rest stop in the middle of His ministry. Both sisters showed deep love for Jesus in their own way: Martha as the diligent host, bustling with preparations to care for her special guest, and Mary as the devoted listener, choosing to sit at His feet. Rather than setting up a competition between them, this story reveals a beautiful interplay between receiving and offering, between being present with the Lord and serving Him faithfully.
Martha sought to serve the Lord and others through faithful dedication and hospitality. Jesus called her name twice and said, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed.” Jesus did not point out that Martha’s service was wrong. He was concerned about her worries. While Jesus is still honouring the choice she makes, He calls Martha to come closer to His word and reign.
Jesus does not dismiss her service; instead, He lovingly invites her into a place of balance. He sees her anxious striving and offers her His hospitality in the form of freedom. Freedom from cultural expectations. Freedom from the pressure to prove her love through busyness.
Jesus’ words to Martha are not a rebuke of her service, but a gentle reminder that true hospitality begins with receiving His presence, His words, and His love. Before we rush into doing for the Lord, we are first invited to listen, to be filled. A theologian, Brendan Byrne said, “Jesus receives hospitality but has himself a deeper hospitality to provide.” Jesus offers Himself to us first, with grace, truth, and life.
Jesus leads Martha to see that the most important part of hospitality is not what we give, but what we are willing to receive from Him. This is a powerful moment where Jesus is not just being served. He is serving Martha and Mary and us with His presence and His Word.
Mary’s choice to stay seated at Jesus’ feet wasn’t just simple devotion – it was radical. For a woman in that culture, her learning posture was counter cultural, a courageous step beyond tradition. Yet Jesus affirmed her choice, saying, “Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Her attentiveness signalled that spiritual devotion surpasses societal expectations.
Jesus upends traditional expectations and invites all disciples, regardless of gender, role, or background, into the intimate space of listening and learning. A life of faith is not a choice between being like Martha or Mary, but a rhythm of both, receiving Jesus’ hospitality in stillness and offering ourselves in faithful service shaped by His Word.
A balanced life of faith flows from that space of receiving. Like Mary, we are called to stop, to be still, and to listen to the voice of Christ. In a world that values activity and productivity, we sometimes forget that being with God precedes doing for God. Without moments of quiet attentiveness, our service can become anxious, burdensome, or self-driven. But when we regularly receive from Christ – His wisdom, peace, and love – our service becomes a joyful offering, not out of obligation, but out of gratitude and communion with Him.
Jesus’ hospitality is a holy invitation into a relationship, where we are not just workers in His kingdom but beloved guests at His table. And from that place of welcome, we are empowered to serve faithfully with joy and purpose. A healthy spiritual life is not about choosing between contemplation and action but about holding both together, resting in God’s presence and responding with loving service. Let us then learn to receive Jesus’ hospitality daily, listening closely to His Word, so that what we offer may be shaped by His heart.
In Colossians 1:24–29, the apostle Paul writes from a place of suffering, yet he rejoices in his trials for the sake of the Church. He sees his hardships as a way of sharing in Christ’s afflictions – not adding to Christ’s saving work but participating in His ongoing mission of love to the Church. Paul finds joy in this costly ministry, knowing his pain serves to build others up in faith.
At the heart of Paul’s calling is a Christ-centred proclamation. He declares, “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” His goal is not just to inform but to transform to “present everyone fully mature in Christ.” (v.28) Maturity in Christ means growing in faith, love, character, and understanding, becoming more like Jesus in every part of life. It involves both serving faithfully and staying rooted in Christ. Paul longs for the Church to live in Christ, to grow up into His fullness, and to become the reflection of His life in the world.
Yet Paul knows this cannot be done by human effort alone. “To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (v.29) Ministry is hard work, but it is Christ’s strength that makes it possible. That same power is available to all who serve through sharing, caring, teaching, serving, or walking with others in love. When we depend on Christ, the Church is built up and the hope of glory shines through us. May we serve with Christ’s energy, knowing true ministry depends on His empowering presence.
Top of Form
Dear Leighmoor family in Christ! The famine of hearing the Word of the Lord that Amos spoke of is not inevitable when we listen to Jesus’ words and come closer to Jesus day by day. The Word of God is not silent. Jesus is still speaking through the Scriptures, the Spirit, His people, and moments of stillness and worship. The famine ends when we make room to listen and serve in Christ.
So, as we leave this place, let us carry with us the living Word and faithful dedication in the balance of receiving and offering. Let us proclaim Him with our lives, that the silence may be broken, and that the world may know Christ is here. Christ is speaking. Christ is enough. May we never be starving again because Jesus, the Bread of Life, is with us.
May we desire and read more of God’s Word and give our love and devotion to the Lord. Let us feed and care for His sheep and our neighbour, our spiritual family and friends. May we never be famished again, because the Bread of Life is with us.
Thanks be to God! Amen.
(Ref. Bible, commentaries, theological books, UCA materials)