Never Too Far

Now when He rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons.
Mark 16:9

Recommended Reading Luke 8:1-3

In 1971, Nancy Miller was an embarrassed fifth-grader in Atlanta, Georgia. She was born with only her pinkie fingers and two partial fingers on her hands. She was too embarrassed to learn square dancing because she didn't think the boys would want to hold her hands. But through the encouragement of her P.E. teacher, who chose Nancy as his partner, she learned acceptance. Today, Nancy Miller is a mother of four who plays piano and types 65 words per minute--all because of a teacher who wasn't ashamed of her.

Mary Magdalene was a first-century "Nancy Miller," a woman tormented by seven evil spirits. But when her Teacher, a man named Jesus, drove those demons away, Mary was given a new life. Jesus took her as a partner in ministry, unashamed of her past troubles. Mary became an important member of Jesus' support team and was the first of His followers to whom He appeared on resurrection morning. Jesus knows our past and our limitations and is never ashamed of either.

If you have thought yourself unworthy of following close behind Jesus, remember Mary Magdalene. You are never too far away that He will not draw you close.

The purpose of being guilty is to bring us to Jesus.
Corrie ten Boom