The Losers Club by Jeff Kinley

Author:Jeff Kinley
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Array
Publisher: Zondervan

MOVING ON

Fortunately for Mary, she had met the answer to her problem. She embraced a Savior who had earned a reputation for doing something no one else had done… giving women hope. Jesus raised women from second-class social status, giving them equality with men (Galatians 3:28). He treated them with dignity instead of humiliation. But beyond all these things, Jesus gave Mary forgiveness, deliverance, and salvation. She was now a friend of God (Romans 5:10).

So what is the rest of Mary’s story? How did she respond to God’s gift of grace and salvation? I’m happy to report that Mary became one of Jesus’ most devoted and passionate followers. She also financially supported Jesus’ ministry (Luke 8:2-3). She had much for which to be grateful, and she demonstrated her love through faithful devotion. When every disciple except John was cowering under the covers at home, Mary stood by her Savior while Roman soldiers brutally hammered him onto a cross (John 19:25). She cared enough to prepare his body for burial (Mark 16:1). She later brought materials to embalm him and was the first at the tomb after the resurrection (Mark 16:2).

God’s reward for Mary’s devotion was that she became the first to see the risen Redeemer (Mark 16:9). Her conversation with Jesus after his resurrection is a scene so tender it brings tears to your eyes (John 20:11-18). There’s no denying it—Mary came from a terrible past, one few of us will ever know. But she overcame it, leaving it all behind, moving on to a brand new life with Christ.

What can we learn from Mary? How can her story encourage us? Piecing together what we know about her from Scripture, here’s what we observe about this remarkable woman.

First, Mary wanted to be wherever Jesus was. She stayed as close to Jesus as she possibly could. She didn’t care if he was teaching on a hillside, lounging at someone’s house, or even being crucified. She followed him wherever he went, no matter what the cost. She took advantage of every opportunity to deepen her relationship with Christ.

Second, Mary never looked back. Though powerless to erase the memory of her past, through Christ, she erased the effect that memory had on her. She broke the power of her past by focusing on her future. Like Mary, we too need to let go of anything that slows us down from running the race (Hebrews 12:2). Is anything or anyone keeping you from pursuing Jesus in your life? Is anything slowing you down, hindering your progress? If so, it’s gotta go. Use God’s power and drop it like a bad habit—today.

Third, Mary demonstrated her love for God.She invested her financial resources in his ministry. She was now Jesus-possessed and he had her heart, mind, soul, and body...even her bank account! Does he have all of you? I’m convinced Mary told her story to others wherever she went, sharing the love, hope, and power that come through a relationship with Jesus.

There are few things more exciting than seeing someone come to Christ from a “rough” past.

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