The Rest of Your Life Posture 9/2/24 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever. Psalms 23 Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” (ESV) Luke 10:38–42 Posture Current Nature To get for oneself To earn and deserve To add to what I already have Multitasking, Juggling, Success up to you How do I adopt a posture of obedience? Transform the way I think (Romans 12:1-2) You have to be taught Posture Biblical Truth He Makes Me Lie Down -בִּנְא֣וֹת דֶּ֭שֶׁא יַרְבִּיצֵ֑נִי עַל־ מֵ֖י - to stretch oneself out, to cause to lie down He Leads - מֵ֖י מְנֻח֣וֹת יְנַהֲלֵֽנִי׃ - to lead or guide to a watering place, bring to a place of rest, refresh Restores - נַפְשִׁי יְשׁוֺבֵב (shub) to turn back; specifically to restore, refresh, repair Listening ἀκούω (akouó) to give ear to one, listen, hearken, to yield to ones teaching, to obey Distracted - περισπάω (perispaó) distract, trouble greatly. To draw away, to be driven about mentally, to be distracted:, i. e. to be over-occupied, too busy, about a thing Serve διακονέω (diakoneó) - caring for the needs of others as the Lord guides in an active, practical way. To minister to Good - ἀγαθός (agathos) inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith, the 'good part,' which insures salvation to him who chooses it. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. v.3 The LORD - I AM is my shepherd (John 10:11-16) Makes me, leads me, restores - Action is the Shepherds Posture matters - Am I ready to be led “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.” Martha was busy/distract3ed with what is ok Mary was focused on what is truly good How much are you carrying? Supposed to be yoked to Jesus (Matt. 11) Good Portion will not be taken away - salvation found Choosing what is best gives clarity to every other choice Jesus has compassion on those anxious, troubled, and distracted He offers what cannot be taken away Reflection and Discussion Have you chosen a shepherd? Who are you yoked to? Whats your attitude toward multitasking? What are you juggling? Have you ever been tired doing what is good (service)? Whats your reaction to being made to lie down? Forced rest? How do you surrender control of all you’ve got up in the air? What is your current posture towards Jesus (the Shepherd)? Asking, Taking Want? Can you take the step of letting Jesus juggle while you hold on to him? How will you choose to be Mary in your posture this week?