Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Women: witnesses of the Gospel

Bible portion: Luke 8:1-3

 

Key Verse: “These women were helping to support them out of their own means”. Luke 8:3


Devotion

Jesus loved all his children immensely regardless of their age, gender, status, ethnicity and nationality. Luke 8:1-3 talks about women who accompanied Jesus and disciples in his ministry. It tells us Mary Magdalene had seven demons. Mary likely didn’t love her past, but she let God use her past to save others healed by Jesus. On her repentance she found mercy and was transformed to become a fervent disciple for Christ. This Mary Magdalene was the one who was present at Christ’s cross and his tomb and was the first to see the resurrected Jesus. Luke 8:3 also tells us that Joanna’s husband Chuza, was Herod’s household manager. Following Jesus would have been a huge risk she willingly undertook. Herod’s household was filled with Roman idol worshipers. Joanna had a mission field in front of her and God used her to save the lost. All we know about Susanna from Luke 8:3 is that she provided for Jesus and his ministry out of her own means. This passage teaches us that Jesus’s disciples gave their savior their time, encouragement and energy and became testimonials of his powered mercy.

It’s important for us to understand that God doesn’t need any of our help to accomplish his mission on this earth. Our creator can do it all. And yet he wants to give us an opportunity to be part of his ministry in this world and serve him with complete devotion and awe. Are we willing? Like the women mentioned in this passage are we willing to repent, are we willing to be reformed and transformed by his love and be his images in this world? Women today are distracted by many things like their career, looks, fashion, hobbies and fame. Why struggle and accomplish things that value least in eternity when we are chosen for a greater role by our heavenly father? Let us understand our calling and diligently serve the Lord.

 

PRAYER
 

Father God, thank you for uniquely creating us in your image. Like Mary, Joanna and Susanna, help us to understand our calling and use our time, energy, talents and resources to serve others with complete humility and faithfulness and thereby glorify your holy name Father. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
 

Thought for the Day 
 

When we live in the presence of God, God will use us beyond our limits

 

Ancy John
Immanuel Marthoma Church, Houston, Texas

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