LIVING WATERS
For the proclamation of the Gospel and the edification of the Body of Christ
Bethany
The village of Bethany, near Jerusalem, has a very particular connotation in the New Testament. There lived three brothers and sisters, Martha, Mary and Lazarus, who were friends of Jesus. The Lord found in that house the affection and devotion that he did not find in other places, in Jerusalem, for example.
Scripture records several scenes that occurred in Bethany, brief but very significant. In the first of these, Mary is sitting at the Lord's feet, listening to him, while her sister Martha is busily serving him. When Martha reproaches her sister before the Lord, he defends Mary, for she has chosen the good part (Lk. 10:38-42).
Then, there is another scene in which the two sisters mourn the death of their brother. They do so in two different ways, but when the Lord raises Lazarus, they are both consoled (John 11). A third scene shows Martha serving (without reproach) and Mary prostrating herself at the Lord's feet to anoint him with her perfume of pure nard. Lazarus, meanwhile, is seated at table with Jesus (John 12:1-8).
There is even a fourth scene in Bethany: "And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands, he blessed them. And it came to pass, as he blessed them, he parted from them, and was carried up into heaven" (Lk. 24:50-51). At Bethany occurred the final scene in the Lord's earthly ministry. The last thing His eyes beheld, as He ascended into heaven, was His friends Martha, Mary and Lazarus, and His disciples. What bliss for them!
Bethany represents the remnant of God in the days of the New Testament. There, in that unpretentious intimacy, away from the prevailing religious center, the Lord Jesus is valued, loved and served as He is worthy. There is not the ceremonial that typifies his figure; there he is himself. There are not the cold manners that hypocrisy has distorted; there he is himself. There there is no mere lip devotion; there are tears of gratitude and joy.
A simple and common home, and not a lavish temple; love flows from sincere hearts. It is Bethany, where sorrows are soothed; it is the House of God made of hearts of flesh, where Christ is the center. All eyes turn to Him; His gaze rests upon each one whom He has called, and comforts them from all their anguish. His gentle voice gives rest to the heart. There is no other name, no other doctrine, for he is sufficient.
Those who dwell in Bethany were once far off and destitute; therefore, they have nothing of their own to exhibit. They are utterly unworthy and unknown. Yet there they have been comforted. And when trial and evil day come, they find in Christ resurrection and life. Then, in gratitude, they offer their pure nard, which perfumes the whole House.
Bethany yesterday, and Bethany today. Peace, consolation, love poured out, joyful service, irrefutable testimony that Christ is risen and has ascended to return at any moment.