Mon.’s Devo - Three Women

Read Luke 8:1-3 I am always interested in the names God chooses to mention in his Word. Many people gave to the cause of Christ but today he mentions three. All three had been either delivered of demons or healed of infirmities. The first is Mary called Magdalene. Mary is the Hebrew name for Miriam which means “their rebellion” who was from the town of Magdala which means “a tower”. Mary stood with Jesus mother at the cross (Matt. 27:56), and was the first person Jesus appeared to after his resurrection. (Mark 16:9) Jesus had cast 7 demons from her and delivered from a life of torment. From her life of rebellion came a tower of strength. She was not afraid to stand with Jesus’ mother at the cross or to wait by the tomb because she believed the man who was able to set her free from torment was who he said he was. The second woman was Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward. Joanna means “Jehovah is a gracious giver”. Chuza means “a mound: a measure”. A mound is something that is measurable and her life was found measurable to the Lord. She had been with Mary at the tomb when they found it empty. She and Mary ran and told the disciples what they had seen. The third was Susanna which means a lily. A lily is a beautiful white flower that grows in the valley and gives forth a sweet fragrance. If you put the meanings of the names together you see the plan of salvation. The world was in rebellion and had elevated themselves as a tower. God in his graciousness gave us the gift of his son. He was crucified on a mound and from his life came forth the church - a lily that would spring forth out of the valley and send forth a fragrance to the world. Is says at the end of verse 3 that these women ministered to him out of their substance. Mary ministered to Jesus out of a heart of rebellion that had been set free. Joanna ministered to him from a gracious heart that probably paid a price at home since her husband was Herod’s steward. Though we know very little about Susanna, she represented a rising church that would face much persecution to follow their beloved. All these women gave up much to follow Jesus but were not ashamed to be called his followers no matter the cost. Lord, may we be like Mary, Joanna and Susanna today and stand like a tower, give forth God’s grace and let the fragrance of the Holy Spirit flow from our lives today.