In these days of tension, fear and anxiety, Christians often wish to escape the noise and troubles of the world in order to reach higher ground, forgetting at times that God's marvelous grace and care have prepared us for the highest possible position. "God . . . hath raised us up together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:6).

Here we are longing impatiently for the closest, most intimate communion with our Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness of our long days. That place is at His feet. There is nothing better here on earth for the believer, nothing more pleasing to the Lord and to the Father than this relationship. There is no place more full of joy, peace, rest, comfort, nearness and security than at His feet.

Look at Martha and Mary in Bethany. Martha was very busy looking after the comfort of her guest. Mary probably had helped her, but when the Lord entered, it was a signal for her to stop all preparations. She took her place at His feet. All she did was to listen, to drink in His words. Soon Martha complained, "Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me." With all kindness the Lord answered, "Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her" (Luke 10:40-42).

In our day there is much activity everywhere and so little of the peace and quiet of sitting at His feet. How little it is understood that here is but "one thing" which is needful, that one thing is sufficient. Mary had a greater understanding of the person of our Lord than Martha. She learned it at His feet. Nowhere is it said that Martha was ever at His feet, but often when Mary is mentioned, she was seated there. She knew no better place.

In Luke, Mary is receiving instructions from the Lord about His Father and other hidden things. In John 11 we see her once more at His feet, weeping. In a little while He weeps with her. In John 12 again we find her at His feet, anointing them with costly ointments. She did it for His burial. She understood a great deal more of what He had revealed about His death, burial and resurrection than all the disciples. Perhaps He spoke with her about these things when she sat at His feet.

Oh, that we would know Him better! Oh, for a greater realization of His person, His love toward us and His grace. In Him the fullness of the Godhead dwells bodily. He wants us to be filled with His truth and Spirit. By serving? Working for it? By earning it? No. But by taking our place at His feet that He may fill us with His fullness. He delights to share His very power with His own who admit their own worthlessness and weakness.

—S.S.T.

Low at Thy feet, Lord Jesus,
   This is the place for me;
Here I have learned deep lessons,
   Truth that has made me free.

Free from myself, Lord Jesus,
   Free from the ways of men;
Chains of thought that once bound me,
   Ne'er can enslave again.

Only Thyself, Lord Jesus,
   Conquered my wayward will;
But for Thy love constraining,
   I had been wayward still.