JULY 31, 2025
Topic: “INTIMACY THROUGH SUBMISSION TO LEARNING “
Text: Luke 10:38-42
Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 2:15 NET – “Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.”
Godly or spiritual intimacy involves closeness in relationship. When you are close to someone, not just by distance but in godly intimacy, you have the urge to want to know more about him. You want to listen to him and hear him speak. The story of Mary and Martha with Jesus shows two dimensions of closeness. Although it was Martha who welcomed Jesus to their home, she left their important Guest to do other things. One might say that she was, after all cooking for Jesus, the Teacher, however, valued Mary’s disposition to listening to His teaching more.
Mary submitted herself to learning at Jesus’ feet. This is a position of intimacy. When you are in an intimate relationship with someone, one of the most important things you want to do is to learn more about that person in order to understand him better. It was obvious that this was Mary’s desire but her sister, Martha, on the other hand, was distracted with many things. This can be said of Christians today, some taking position at Jesus’ feet to learn from Him, know Him more and enjoy intimacy with Him, while others choose to give priority to other things.
We thank God for the different opportunities open to us in our church today to learn more about God and His character with the aim of developing intimacy and daily growing to be like Him. Unfortunately, only a few, compared to the number in regular church attendance, take advantage of these opportunities, some of which are: Sunday School, Discipleship and Home Fellowship.
These are small groups where you can submit to learning in humility, get closer to others, be open to new ideas and acknowledge your limitations. This humility helps you to submit to learning and can foster a deeper understanding and spiritual connection with others. This enhances intimacy with God and with others. You will also benefit immensely from setting aside quality time for your daily quiet time with God.
PRAYER: Father, when I submit myself to learning about You, I become closer to You and intimate with You. I surrender my time to You. Help me to use it well and order my priorities right in Jesus’ name, Amen.