If there is one woman that i can relate and empathize with in the bible it's Mary Magdelene. The faithful Ruth or Beautiful, brave Ester do nothing for me. Theirs is a story and a life that i cannot yet relate. But Mary, ah Mary now she is a woman after my own heart. Although history tries to peg her as merely a prostitute she was so much more, she was a misguided, misunderstood but exceptional woman. I think she was a woman that started off looking for love and acceptance and was let down enough that she became to not think she was worthy of such love and began to profit but the abuse she was already being subjected too.
Although her source of income was questionable she was still self sustaining and independent. She was passionate, generous, unreserved, and devoted as shown when she bathed Jesus feet in perfume. She was a woman that gave it all. Luckily she found a man that in return gave something back to her, Salvation. She clinged to the only man that didn't leave her feeling more empty inside but instead filled her to the brim with life and truth. But even with the huge moral strides that she made she was still judged for her past. She was looked down on and despised. Even after her conversion she was still known as the prostitute that followed Jesus.
Let this be example, there will be people in your life that will always remember your sin, not your conversion. they will hold to their labels of you, of the past you. they will never seek to liberate your form the bondage and shame that was your sin. Thankfully, we serve a Savior who frees us, and not only that but forgets our sins. He doesn't judge us, he restores us. Do you understand that? the one person qualified to judge us chooses not to. That's a lesson within itself, judging does nothing to restore a person, but forgiveness, acceptance, those are powerful tools. Secondly Jesus doesn't care what other people think about you, He knows its only His opinion that matters.
I think the one thing i admire about Mary is she didn't let the haters distract her or keep her from publically loving Jesus. I, myself do the exact opposite. When people hold me to my sins i either a) go into shameful seclusion or b) live up to my bad reputation. I forget that my Savior has forgiven me, that I am not who i was yesterday. I am ever growing in grace, wisdom, and righteousness. and even if i screw up that between me and Him. I have to stop letting people make me feel ashamed of who i was, or even who i am in moments of weakness. I have been redeemed. No matter who you are or what you've done, Jesus wants you. He doesnt care about your past or your reputation, He sees who you can be. Fix your eyes on him and be transformed.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for taking me as a i am. Thank you for loving me, forgiving me and transforming me into your likeness. Help Yours to be the only approval i desire, and help me to not fall into the trap of judging others.
Amen.
