Luke Chapter 8:1-3 (NIV-UK)
After this, Jesus travelled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means.
1 Corinthians Chapter 12: Verses 4-6 (NLT)
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.
Everyone is called to follow Jesus in a way that is particular to them. We read of how some of the disciples were called but not of how some of the others decided to follow Him. We also get a glimpse of how women too gave up their normal lives to do the same. Here we read that some of the women’s lives were changed by Jesus’ healing them spiritually and physically. Everyone knows what Jesus did for Mary Magdalene, because its often specifically mentioned when we read about her. But some of the other women in Jesus’ circle had needs too, and Jesus healed them. Their lives were so changed by His meeting them that they made the choice to become involved in meeting the needs of Jesus and His disciples in a very practical way. The contribution made by the women was no less important than those of the disciples. It meant the ministry could function. Like the men, the women all came from different backgrounds, and they put everything in wholeheartedly to follow Jesus.
We are later reminded by Paul in His letter to the Corinthian Church that there are different gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit, and different ways to serve God, but we need to each use our gifts under God’s anointing and for His glory. In these verses in Luke, we see this being practically outworked.
Whether our gifts are practical or spiritual we need to do as these women did and put our whole heart and soul into whatever God wants us to do. Whatever it is, it has a purpose in God’s plan so we need to do it well.
Dear Lord,
Help me to remember that whether I think I am doing something insignificant, I need to do it as if I am doing it for You, and therefore, to the best of my ability. Nothing You ask as to do is insignificant and all has a purpose in Your plan. May I always do what You ask wholeheartedly, and for Your glory. I ask in Jesus’ Name. AMEN.