Welcome to Day 13 of the 40Days of Return.
Today, I want you to study with me the life of Mary Magdalene. Mary was the woman out of whom Jesus cast seven devils. After that experience, she became a lover of Christ. She responded by abiding in Christ through obeying and seeking Him. Her response to the Gospel is a model for you and me today.
What did Mary Magdalene see?
Have you ever read the story of the Resurrection of Christ Jesus and have to ask yourself, what really inspired Mary Magdalene? Mary’s love for Jesus was so strong that Jesus had to reveal himself to her, even before appearing before the Father in heaven. The love she expressed in seeking for her master was outstanding. (John 20:17).
Even Angels were not Enough
The sight of angels did not touch on her love for Christ, her determination was firm: it was either Christ or nothing. Scriptures recorded the fears that the appearance of angels brought upon people that encountered them, but because of the strength of the Love for Christ which Mary Magdalene had, all fears were cast out. Today, we have her story of love for her savior recorded in Mark 16:9 “Now when Jesus was risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils”.
Love: Your Response to Divine Grace
The scripture says in Mark 12:30: And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment.
Our response to God’s Grace is perfectly captured in what Christ calls the First commandment which says: Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. When there is Love, we find it easy to obey the Lord daily and to carry our cross, following Him.
Responding to God’s Grace by love will also mean obeying the second commandment which says: Love thy neighbors as thyself. You will love your neighbor not because they are good to you but because you love the Father.
Rewards for God’s Lovers!
It is not enough for you to enjoy God’s love, you should also respond to His love by loving Him with all your heart and love the people God has put around you, just like you saw in the life of Mary Magdalene.
The Bible promises exceeding rewards for those who love God. 1Corinthians 2:9 says: Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
Also, Romans 8:28 says: We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Not for everyone but them that responded to Grace by loving the Giver. Let Love be your response to God’s Grace today …
