"Now Jesus, having risen [from death] early on the first day of the week, appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons" (Mark 16:9, Amp).
Why this woman, Mary Magdalene? Jesus cast out seven demons out of this woman, Mary of Magdala. She becomes one of His most faithful, devoted followers, going with Him all the way to the cross. She is the first to know He has arisen and to report this to His disciples. Let us see some key points here: 1). She followed Jesus and hung on His every word.
2). She learned what true discipleship was all about - on the job training. 3). She shared Jesus with others from the depth of her beautifully changed heart. Let Him cast out any "demons" that may be weighing you down in your life right now. You too can become a devoted follower of Christ. Then, report to others what He has done for you; your testimony matters to God and to those you share it with.
Being a woman, possessing sensitivity, and being able to believe even what eyes cannot behold, Mary returned to Jesus' tomb to look inside yet once again. She saw two angels in white one at the head and the other at the feet, where Jesus lain. Something interesting happens here, the first word spoken inside the empty tomb was "woman". Then the angel's question followed, "why are you weeping?" Mary explains that her Lord, Jesus has been taken away and she doesn't know where He is. Perhaps for a short time, she felt lost without Him. Here's the amazing part, when she turns around Jesus stood before her. He spoke her name and she recognized Him! Even though she had not found Christ, He found her and called her by name. She turns to Him with a cry of recognition of her Lord: "Rabboni" (John 20:16). There in the moment, Jesus had spoken in a voice so tender that it must have penetrated the very core of her heart. In her joy, she could not contain herself to go tell others what Jesus had spoken to her. Mary then goes on to prepare others to accept Christ and to realize what He has done for all of us. Because of her faithfulness and true devotion for Christ, she became the first to witness the Resurrection of Christ.
Whatever your affliction, addiction, or brokenness may be, Jesus can and will heal you too. You don't have to search for Him, He's already there. Call on Him today! Recognize Him, accept Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Listen for Him to speak your name. Allow your love, humility, service, and unselfish devotion to Jesus be your healing power. Claim what He has cast from your life. Become a truly faithful, devoted woman of Christ today. Your life will never the same! Joy, praise, worship, adoration, and victory will flood your life due to your true devotion to Christ and what He has done for you, claim what He has cast from your life.
"The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands" (Ps. 138:8, ESV).
Scripture references regarding Mary Magdalene:
Matt. 27:46, 61; 28:1
Mark 15:40; 47; 16: 1, 9
Luke 8:2; 24:10
John 19:25; 20:1, 11, 16, 18
Father God, Oh how we praise You. Thank You for Your word that brings hope to all women. Thank You for sharing Mary's example to us in Your word, and may we be truly devoted women for You. Jesus, we love how You love us so much, speak to us, and cast out our sins/demons. We honor You today, Lord and keeper of our souls. May we glorify You in all that we do. In Jesus' holy Name, Amen.
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