If we eliminated the word “with” from the Bible we would no longer be with our heavenly Father, with the family of God, with any hope, or with eternal life. With that being said, life would be empty with no real purpose.

Christ Himself placed high priority on the word “with” in Mark 3:14 which declares, “Jesus appointed twelve that they would be with Him, and that He could send them out to preach.” The first purpose was fellowship, and the second purpose was to send them out speaking of Jesus wherever they went. I wonder how many Christians even analyze the concept that Jesus Christ has a desire for their attention, affection and conversation? Truly God doesn’t need you, but He loves being with you regardless. According to John 15:15 He’d truly love to be your BFF.

The lyrics of an old praise song by Kirk Dearman read, “One thing is needful O my Father; that I sit at Your feet and pour out my love. I sit and worship You my Father. I lift my hands to You my God.” These words reflect the choices of Mary and Martha while Jesus visited the home of their brother Lazarus. Martha, who was busy getting their house in order, was occupied FOR Jesus. Mary, sitting at Jesus feet, was occupied WITH Jesus. I get it. The trash and the cat both need to be taken out, but are you ever occupied with Jesus as you sit at His feet and pour out your love to Him?

The words that Mary heard moved her. Those words moved her to obedience and a desire to be with Jesus forever. I believe she is the lady who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair and her tears, for the forgiveness of her sinful past. I’m not saying Martha wasn’t saved. I am saying that Jesus found a true and proven follower in Mary, who washed His feet in the presence of detractors without a single care for what they thought.

With Jesus
Pastor Huck