Supporting The Lord’s Work

-April 3, 2023-

Good morning, happy Monday,

“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.”

(Luke 8:2-3).

Jesus had many followers other than the Twelve Disciples whom He called the Apostles. After Jesus rose from the dead, He was seen by over five hundred men. Some of His most devoted followers were women. Three women are mentioned in particular: Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Susanna; but there many others as well. These three women were healed of evil spirits and were so thankful.

Mary Magdalene is mentioned many times in the gospels. There are others named Mary: Mary the mother of Jesus, Mary of Bethany, and one who is called “the other Mary. Mary Magdalene was among the last ones at the cross to witness His crucifixion and the first ones at the empty tomb. Our risen Lord appeared to her first and commissioned her to tell the apostles that He had risen and would meet them in Galilee. She loved the Lord so much. There is no biblical evidence of any immorality or similar sins. She was demon possessed and Jesus delivered from the bondage of seven demons who held her captive.

Much less is known of Joanna. We are told that she was the wife of Chuza, the steward of Herod. She was a prominent woman of means and she supported the Lord’s work and did the Lord’s work. She had access to Herod’s palace and likely witnessed and testified of Jesus there.

Susanna, the third woman mentioned by name, is even less known. She delivered from demons also and was a loyal follower and supporter of Christ. We would have to say that these women and many others were members of the “First Christian Women’s Club. Since they were all women of means they supported Him and the disciples from their substance. We don’t know how many others there were, but they were many. They put their money to good use. But they didn’t just give their money but gave their time and efforts as well.

These women show us the need to be workers and supporters of the Lord’s work. Prayer is something we all can do. It is of vital importance. It is also so needful to give our tithes and offerings, and to support our spiritual leaders and our local churches. Many women in the church play key roles in teaching, serving, and helping. Women have traditionally served and are serving in Sunday School and youth ministries. In recent years many of them have become home school teachers. So many put us men to shame with their devotion to Christ. I thank the Lord all the women in our church and women’s ministries that are thriving. Our pastor’s wife Sylvia is an excellent Bible teacher, counselor, and servant of the Lord. When a church has strong, committed workers it is blessed.

May the Lord continue to use each one of us, women and men, young and old, to serve Him and support His work. Have a blessed day.

Serving the greatest Master in the grandest way, for His highest honor and glory,

Dean