By Robin Sam
LUKE in the 8th chapter of his Gospel makes mention of three outstanding women. Luke thought it fit to mention their names because of a very worthy act of theirs. The women he mentioned in verse 3 of Luke 8 were: Mary, Joanna and Susanna. The three women, Luke says, were among many others who provided for Jesus from their substance. The God’s Word Translation is even more direct in its rendition. It says: ‘They provided financial support for Jesus and His disciples.’
Mary who was also called Magdalene because she was from the town called Magdala had a solid reason to support Jesus. She had seven demons inside her and the Lord had healed her. She must have been very grateful to Jesus for delivering her from the clutches of the devil. The Bible does not tell us what Jesus did for Joanna and Susanna. Perhaps, we may never get to know about it till we reach eternity. However, one thing is sure. Jesus had made a mark on their lives.
Everyone who came across Jesus had a miraculous transformation. The hungry were fed. Those in lack had their fill. The cripple walked. The deaf heard. The blind saw. The leprous were healed. The possessed were set free. The dead rose to life. Everyone who was impacted by Jesus’ ministry had a story to tell. Jesus met everyone’s needs, but not everyone served Him. Jesus had something to give to everyone He came across, but not everyone reciprocated His love, care and concern.
Once Jesus had to walk through Samaria and Galilee on His way to Jerusalem. And, 10 lepers who cried out to Him from a distance caught His attention. He asked them to show themselves to the priests. As they went, they were cleansed.
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?” (Luke 17:15-17).
Leave alone supporting His ministry, some people did not even think it was worth it to thank Him! Think about it!
Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, said the Psalmist (107:1). Give thanks in all circumstances for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus said Paul (Col. 4:2).
Is there something for which you have not thanked God in your life? Give Him a praise offering before it is too late. He is worthy of our praise and thanksgiving.
If you think this magazine and our ministry have impacted you, will you consider putting us on your prayer list? Your prayers and donations are vital for the sustenance of our ministry. Unlike other ministries, we do not have foreign aid. Nor do we sit on a huge corpus fund. Our needs are met month on month. Help us keep going!
