Word@Work 205 - Mark 15:40-41
Published: Tue, 09/09/08
Word@Work from BeaconLight
Read Mark 15:40-41 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome. In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there. (NIV)
Caring, but cautious. That may be a reasonable way to describe these women; but they were much more than caring, they had devoted themselves to the Master, helping in the domestic tasks that often defeat itinerant preachers. And don't forget 'the twelve', they needed meals and washing done too. Of course, the women were not a threat to the authorities; they were 'only women'. A nuisance possibly, but threat, no ... especially now that their Lord had been crucified.
But what a catalogue of divine ministry they represented. Not the acts of service they had done for Jesus, but the miracles He had done in their lives. Mary Magdelene (from Magdala, on the western shore of Galilee) had been released from demonic oppression. Salome was the mother of James and John, the other Mary was probably the mother of Jesus. These women served because of what God had done for them, and because they believed in Jesus. Their devotion was rewarded by the first of the resurrection appearances.
Godly women are marked by a willingness to be around when the Master needs them. They are not seeking prominence, but are glad for Jesus to be centre stage. They do not draw people to themselves, but point them to the Saviour. It is a servant heartedness that pleased the Lord then, and still does today. Many men could learn a lesson from them, not least their own sons who were nowhere to be seen; all, except for Mary's Son who was hanging limply from the cross. He did not quit, but saw His job through to the bitter end. Perhaps we need to reflect on God's purpose of allowing us to feel the heat of opposition, before we run away.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please forgive me when I back away from the difficulties that you allow in my Christian life. Help me to be so certain of Your love that I will stay with You in the time of crisis - because you stayed on the cross for me. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
Caring, but cautious. That may be a reasonable way to describe these women; but they were much more than caring, they had devoted themselves to the Master, helping in the domestic tasks that often defeat itinerant preachers. And don't forget 'the twelve', they needed meals and washing done too. Of course, the women were not a threat to the authorities; they were 'only women'. A nuisance possibly, but threat, no ... especially now that their Lord had been crucified.
But what a catalogue of divine ministry they represented. Not the acts of service they had done for Jesus, but the miracles He had done in their lives. Mary Magdelene (from Magdala, on the western shore of Galilee) had been released from demonic oppression. Salome was the mother of James and John, the other Mary was probably the mother of Jesus. These women served because of what God had done for them, and because they believed in Jesus. Their devotion was rewarded by the first of the resurrection appearances.
Godly women are marked by a willingness to be around when the Master needs them. They are not seeking prominence, but are glad for Jesus to be centre stage. They do not draw people to themselves, but point them to the Saviour. It is a servant heartedness that pleased the Lord then, and still does today. Many men could learn a lesson from them, not least their own sons who were nowhere to be seen; all, except for Mary's Son who was hanging limply from the cross. He did not quit, but saw His job through to the bitter end. Perhaps we need to reflect on God's purpose of allowing us to feel the heat of opposition, before we run away.
Prayer: Dear Lord. Please forgive me when I back away from the difficulties that you allow in my Christian life. Help me to be so certain of Your love that I will stay with You in the time of crisis - because you stayed on the cross for me. In Your Name. Amen.
You can read more of this Bible passage online - in English and other languages - share the Bible with your friends!
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