Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Luke 8:2-3 And certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities -- Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had come seven demons, and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others who provided for Him from their substance.
MARY MAGDALENE: IS IT ENOUGH
That is just about the most detailed sentence we have concerning who Mary was and what Jesus had done for her. In truth that sentence is more than enough. It tells us once again of a sinner in desperate need of a Savior and of a Savior without need who saved sinner. A Savior who in mercy compassion and with the power and authority that only God has healed this woman of the terrible affliction which possessed her. It is another wonderful example of Jesus' mercy upon sinners. And a sinner's grateful and loving response to that salvation. A sinner's reflection of that love that healed her, by during what she can for her Savior.
Yet apparently such a vividly compassionate account is not enough for some. It isn't enough that here was a sinner that Jesus had mercy on. They need more excitement. They need a better reason for her love towards Jesus. Obviously the apostles didn't know how to properly write a good story. They after all are not Hollywood screen writers. So we need to rewrite it for them, we need to add the juicy details. The four gospels which the Lord inspired to tell us of His wonderous love aren't enough, we need to add a fifth.
The same simple message of a Savior able and willing to help us in every need is exactly what the account of Mary Magdalene presents us with and exactly what we need to hear. It is the same message that is shared with you every Sunday in Church. And it needs nothing added to it.
