July 7
"After Jesus rose from the dead early on Sunday morning, the first person who saw him was Mary Magdalene, the woman from whom he had cast out seven demons. She went to the disciples, who were grieving and weeping, and told them what had happened. But when she told them Jesus was alive and she had seen him, they didn’t believe her. -Mark 16:9-11 (NLT)
Have you ever told someone wonderful news and they refused to believe you? It can be very hurtful. Yet Mary Magdalene did not stop spreading the Good News of Jesus' resurrection even when others didn't believe her. She persevered in spite of initial rejection by Peter and the apostles, ridicule from friends, and threats of governing officials. Yet her courage to persevere telling the truth in the face of the threats and slander of the authorities eventually earned her a revered place in the early Christian church. She holds a unique position in history today as not only the first person to see the risen Christ, but as the first Evangelist.
While it is clear historically there were many women among Jesus' disciples, it is also clear Jesus didn't treat women as others in his culture but with dignity, as people of worth. Mary, from the town of Magdala, was a wealthy independent woman and early disciple of Jesus who was energetic, generous, and caring. She not only traveled with a group of other women disciples supporting Jesus and his apostles but contributed financially to the needs of their ministry along with the rest of these faithful women. (Lk.8:1-3) Mary was one of the few disciples remaining present at the cross after all male apostles but John had fled in terror. She was preparing to anoint Jesus' body on Sunday morning when she discovered the empty tomb and was first to see the risen Christ.
Mary Magdalene is an inspiring example of courageous living. After her affliction was miraculously healed by Jesus, she left all to follow him. In the gospels Mary acts out of appreciation for the freedom Christ gave her. That freedom allowed her to stand under Christ's cross when most of the male disciple were hiding in fear. After Jesus' death, she intended to lovingly prepare his body for burial, in spite of the risks. She never expected a bodily resurrection but was overjoyed to see it. Mary was more eager to believe and obey Jesus' instructions to tell others than to understand details. Because Mary's faith was so courageous, Jesus honored her by appearing to her first and entrusting her with the Good News of his victory over death. She remains an inspiration for all today!
Prayer: God, Help me be courageous like Mary Magdalene. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: True courage can transform our fears to faith!
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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https://www.amazon.com/s?k=rev%20dr%20mary%20johnson...
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