MARY, MARTHA, and…SILAS

WINSDAY WISDOM Session 38

That’s right! Mary, Martha, and Silas! Two sisters and a beloved brother, just like the siblings in the Bible.

They were older and lived in the same house. None had married. They were godly and loving.

I met them when I went into the youth ministry at Sand Springs. They attended every church function. They were as kind as anyone could be. One could not help thinking about the Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in the gospel story who were so loved by Jesus.

The Biblical trio served, cooked, and soaked up the teachings of Jesus. They loved Him and their story has impacted countless multitudes.

The modern-day siblings had the same kind of heart. Their impact on my life was substantial. I was the new kid on the church staff. I had much to learn.

Mary and Martha were just what one might imagine of their Biblical counterparts. The two older sisters took care of Silas. Silas appeared much different than my images of the resurrected Lazarus, but now I think Lazarus might have been just like Silas.

Silas had some disabilities. He struggled to speak, stuttering with a lisp. He always had a smile and handshake for everyone. The pastor told me that Silas was like a fourth grader in his development. He needed the constant care of his sisters.

Yes, Silas had some visual and audio disabilities, but he had no disability of the heart.

Silas became ill and was confined in the hospital. I am sure the sisters sent for Jesus and their prayers were answered. In the meantime, the pastor sent me. I made a couple of hospital visits during Silas’ time at the hospital.

Mary and Martha were always there. Mary would be reading her Bible or praying or singing. Martha would be up serving some need. If it was not doing something for Silas, then she would help the nurse or offer assistance to the doctor.

Several weeks later, they all returned to church. As we met in the hallway, I paused to welcome them back. Each one greeted me with a hug. As they headed into their Bible study class, Silas grabbed my arm. He had something he wanted to say.

“B-B-Brudder Rex, you…you…you tame to…to see…see me. You tame to…to see me at…at…da…da h-pital. You…you payed…you payed for me. T…T…Tank you…Tank you.”

“That’s right, Silas. Glad you are feeling better.”

Silas held onto my hand with both of his hands. His eyes glistened. His lips trembled.

“B-B-Brudder Brudder Rex, I…I…I…pay…I pay…pay…I pay for you.                   

I…I…I…I pay…p…p…pay for you…….every…….everyday…..everyday.”

Then Silas pointed at his chest and then at my heart as he continued.

“I…I luv…I luv you.”

Now I know why Jesus wept. I went home and cried like a baby. I prayed for Silas a few times at the hospital. Silas prayed for me every day. Oh, that’s a huge differential in love.

No wonder Jesus loved Lazarus so very much! No wonder Jesus loved Silas so very much! And Jesus used Silas to remind me how much He loves me…everyday!

Tears come to my eyes now as I recall that moment with Silas. It was as much of a teaching moment as the time Lazarus walked out of that tomb into new life. I needed my love resurrected. Praying is not some church duty or emergency need. Prayer is about love.

Love is not some occasional pastime activity. Love for God and love for others is a lifetime endeavor. Everyone…All the time. That is the most important thing in life and throughout eternity.

I read about this great love in Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. I saw it in Mary, Martha, and Silas. Jesus came into their house and hearts. They were never the same. They learned to love just like Jesus.

IF YOU NEED YOUR LOVE RESURRECTED, THERE IS HOPE FOR YOU!

Jesus lives inside of us to lead us to others He intends to love through us.

Thanks, Silas, for loving me first and most.

I pray that same love might touch someone else today.

Thank you, Mary, Martha, and Silas!

I want to be more like you. Others might see in me some emotional and physical shortcomings, but I pray there will never be a disability of my spiritual heart.

So, I will ask myself the Winsday Wisdom application questions.

Rex, who will you pray for today? Who will hear you tell or read a text that you love them?

Who will be on your heart and in your prayers today? 

Everyday!!!

Come on, Rex. Keep your eyes on the goal. Finish strong.

I hope you will join me.