Not So Ordinary Mary - article by Joel Hempel
Easter afternoon, I texted Pastor Scott: “Outstanding message and service. Thank you.” The way pastor presented Mary Magdalene touched my soul. I have no idea what she looked like, but after today’s sermon, I am convinced she was a beautiful woman. She was courageous, faithful, hardworking, bold, loving, dedicated, humble, and the first to proclaim, “He is risen!” One article I read referred to her as “the apostle to the apostles.”
At the end of his sermon, Pastor Scott said, "In the same way, Jesus picks you.” Honestly, I don’t think I can live up to Mary’s standards; but I’d like to!
As I reflect on Mary’s impressive service, I wonder how she did it. As pastor said, she came from humble beginnings and lived at a time when society did not think of her as a person of value. But Jesus was not fooled by culture or persuaded by convention. He recognized value when he saw it. And he saw it in Mary. But what turned her life around, and more importantly, what kept her turned toward Jesus?
We could make many guesses as others have done. But staying with what we know is all we need to know. Jesus came into her life.
When Jesus comes into your life, everything doesn’t change at first, but he will stay with you until it does. Jesus wants to make Marys out of all of us – including, but not only, freeing us of our demons: You know, the sins that haunt us, emotions that threaten to take control, and doubts that won’t let us settle into the certainty of faith. Those demons can interfere with our spiritual growth and service to God.
So, here is God’s plan. It is the same plan our Lord instituted in the life of Mary. When others give up on us, Jesus will not. When we are hard on ourselves, Jesus will be forgiving. When we think we can’t handle whatever is wearing us down, Jesus will be our strength. And when opportunities to serve seem more than our abilities, Jesus will remind us from WHOM our success will come.
Jesus is ready to make a profound difference in our lives and our congregation. His resurrection is our hope and our promise.
