What one thing do you most need? A difficult question. You might answer – a steady job, a marriage partner, a close friend, money for your children’s college education. Your answer probably would differ depending on the circumstances. A man lost in the desert might most need a drink of water. The hospital patient awaiting major surgery probably needs the assurance of life. What one thing to do most need?
Martha worried about many things as she tried to host her friend Jesus. Mary sat and listened to what Jesus said. Jesus, referring to Mary’s choice, commented: “But only one thing is needed.” Hearing God’s Word is the one thing needed. Mary no doubt learned about Jesus as the Messiah bringing in the kingdom of God. The Word offers salvation and strength for living.
No matter what our worries and problems, Jesus offers the one thing needed – His Word, which offers us forgiveness and life through His death on the cross for our sins. Taking the time to listen, we learn to live joyfully for Him. His Word helps us to place our other needs in perspective and to receive comfort and direction for daily living. One thing is needed!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to put my worldly needs in perspective and to listen to the one thing needed — Your Word of life and salvation through Jesus, my Savior. Amen.
(Devotions from “My Daily Devotion” by Dr. Stephen J. Carter, copyright 1988 CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For ordering information, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit www.cph.org.)