When Jesus rose early on the
first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had
driven seven demons. (Mark 16:9)
As so often happens, when I read
this first line, I was stopped at something I never noticed before...out of
whom he had driven seven demons. How could I have read this text
almost every year during the Easter season and not have seen the reference to
demons. Like many, I was under the mistaken impression that Mary Magdalene had
been a prostitute.
Upon researching Mary, I learned
that the demon possession she lived with for years, was manifest in a variety
of ailments. The demonic possession did not affect her morals, only her mind.
Jesus rescued her from the grips of despair and healed her. I can only imagine
her testimony. That brings us to this question: What has Jesus healed you from,
how has He rescued you from the grips of evil? All who are believers, have
experienced healing and changed hearts. What is your testimony?
Mary Magdalene was a person of
means who helped support Jesus' ministry. She served Him until His death. She
was faithful and devoted and filled with love. When the men who surrounded
Jesus during His ministry ran for safety, feared for their lives - Mary stuck
around. She witnessed the crucifixion, located the tomb, came early to the tomb
with spices, and was the first to see the Risen Lord and reported the
Resurrection to the disciples.
How did Jesus get your attention?
What miraculous work has He done in your life to keep you close to Him; what
demons did He cast out of your life? Jesus, make me an instrument of your love and continue to work in me so that I can be a beacon of Your love. Amen
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