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Tuesday, March 2, 2021

The Legacy of Mary, the Mother of John Mark


 How has the Lord gifted you? 

Not all of us have the same gifts or talents; some of us are wonderful singers, or writers, cooks, bakers, moms, friends, etc. Each of us have been uniquely chosen and uniquely created for a purpose that God planned for us long ago. Notice: 


So, let me ask you again, how has God uniquely gifted you? 

And how are you using your gift today in His kingdom work? 

That's really what our lives boils down to; what has He planed for you to do and are you fulfilling God's purpose for you? 

I want so much to reach the end of my life here on this earth knowing and being able to say like Paul, " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.  Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day..." (2Tim 4:7-8)

It was to Mary’s home that Peter ran to after his miraculous escape, but have you ever wondered why her home?  

Here's a few facts about Mary that I've been able to come up with:

  •  Mary was most likely a widow, for the house is referred to as hers, not her husband's.
  •  Because John Mark was the cousin of Barnabas (Colossians 4:10), we know that Mary was Barnabas's aunt.
  •  She must have been a prominent supporter of the early church, because Peter knew he could go to her home to receive help. It can't be proven, but some believe it was in her upper room to her house where the disciples congregated on the day of Pentecost. Which would also explain why Peter headed there after he was freed.
  •  She was very brave, for the church was enduring incredible persecution at that time with James the brother of John having just been beheaded, and Peter arrested — but Mary still welcomed the believers into her home.
  • Mary raised a believing son who was busy serving, even to the point of being useful to both Paul and Peter ( 2 Timothy 4:11; 1 Peter 5:13). I'm sure her faith must have had some influence on her son. 
What stood out to me the most was the role she played, which was simply that - she opened up her home to any and all believers; even at the great risk to her own safety! 

Mary was willing to use what she had to further God's kingdom, which makes me wonder what I have that God can use to bring others to Him, or bless His children in some way. Wouldn't it be wonderful if each of us simply surrendered all we have been given to God and watch what He decides to do with it all!? 

Just imagine what He could do!

Blessings, 
sue