What the Lord said of Aaron's rod, is true of the hearts of all his people: "The man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom." Numb. 17:5. To see a dead, withered stick, cut off from the root, bring forth blossoms, is a miracle in nature. So, when the soul of a once dead sinner shoots forth the blossoms of affection to Jesus, and chooses him as its portion and happiness, and brings forth fruits of holiness, this is a miracle of grace.
The love of Jesus to his people was not only conceived in his heart from eternity, but was manifested on earth in his life and death. So, when our hearts are made acquainted with this love, it cannot be hid. When Jesus is chosen as our treasure, our affections cleave to him, we follow him, our delight is to hear his voice, to sit at his feet, and attend upon the gracious words which drop from his lips. Blessed be his name, he indulges his people now in real, spiritual communion with him, though we enjoy not his bodily presence. This is our heaven upon earth. But it differs from the heaven of glory in that here 'many things interrupt our constant enjoyment of Jesus; Satan envies it; the flesh lusteth against it; the world, with its profits and pleasures, allures us from it. And, indeed, the poor heart is oft-times ready to fear, I shall lose the grace and salvation of Jesus. Though, like Mary, the soul hath chosen the good part in time, yet it sometimes doubts of the enjoyment of its portion in a blissful eternity. But "He is faithful that promised."
But had not Martha also a part in this one thing needful? Doubtless. But still she was over careful, and too much cumbered about other things. This our Lord reproves. The same grace which was effectual in Mary's heart, influences the heart of every disciple to the same choice; therefore, what Jesus said to her in the days of his flesh, is written by his Spirit for our consolation and establishment in faith and love. Mary displayed the greatness of her soul in being satisfied with no object short of Jesus, and the humility of her heart in sitting at his feet. Poor, doubting, fearing believer, thy choice of Jesus is the effect of God's choosing thee in Jesus; therefore thy good part, thy happy choice, shall never be taken from thee; but thou shalt soon hear the voice of thy Beloved, saying, "Come up hither." "Where I am, there shall my servants be. If any man serve me, him will my Father honor." John 12:26.
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