Martha came to him Jesus and asked, “Lord, don’t you care?” (Lk 10:40).
Lord Jesus, when Martha called your caring-heart into question, the context of her charge was pretty lame. She felt unseen and unappreciated in her kitchen, while Mary leisurely sat at your feet. There are times, however, when we experience crises, stories, and “accidents” that seem to contradict your compassion, care, and control.
Those are the times we get really susceptible to all kinds of voices: To the devil’s toxic whisperings (“Where IS your Jesus now?). Or Karma replacing the Gospel, telling us (“You’re sick because of hidden, unconfessed sin”). Or the narration of a cynical friend or family member, (Job’s wife to Job, “Curse God and die.” Job 2:9). Or our own emotionally exhausted, shame-fueled monologue, (I’ve blown it so badly, I’ve forfeited any claim on grace. Hope, or a tomorrow”).
Most loving and sovereign, Lord Jesus, though you don’t always explain yourself or fix things, you will never “crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle.” We will have days (seasons) when mystery is more real than mercy, heartache is more tangible than hope, and pain is convincing than providence. But, we will never have a Jesus-absent day.
When we’re angry like Jonah (Jonah 4:9), disillusioned like Job (Job.10:15), fearful like Elijah (1 Kings 19:3), doubt you, like John the Baptist (Matt. 11:3), “beastly” like Asaph (Psalm 73:21-22), despairing of life like Paul (2 Cor. 1:8)… you welcome us, and meet us right there.
Jesus, the weary (us) find rest in you, long before the Day of “all things new” (Matt.11:28-30: Rev.21:5). No one cares like you. The Gospel makes that loud and clear.. So Very Amen.