Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

August 9– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“[Jesus] appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.” 

—Mark 16:9

Mary of Magdala was the victim of a fearful evil. She was possessed by not only one devil but seven. These dreadful inmates brought much pain and pollution to her poor frame. Hers was a hopeless, horrible case. She could not help herself, neither could any human assistance help her. But Jesus passed that way, and, unsought and probably even resisted by the poor demoniac, he uttered the word of power, and Mary of Magdala became a trophy of Jesus’ healing power.

The seven demons left her never to return, forcibly ejected by the Lord of all. What a blessed deliverance! What a happy change! From delirium to delight, from despair to peace, from hell to heaven! Immediately she became a constant follower of Jesus, catching his every word, following his every step, sharing his toilsome life. She became his generous helper, first among that band of healed and grateful women who served him with their wealth and possessions.

When Jesus was lifted up in crucifixion, Mary remained the sharer of his shame. We find her first beholding from afar and then drawing near to the foot of the cross. She could not die on the cross with Jesus, but she stood as near to it as she could. And, when his blessed body was taken down, she watched to see where it was laid. She was the faithful and watchful believer, the last one at the tomb where Jesus slept, and the first to arrive at the grave when he arose.

Her holy fidelity made her a favored beholder of her beloved Teacher.  Jesus called her by name and made her his messenger of good news to the trembling disciples. This is what grace does!  It found her a maniac and made her a minister; it cast out devils and allowed her to behold angels; it delivered her from Satan and united her forever to the Lord Jesus. May I also be such a miracle of grace! [M&E]