Many focus on Ruth in this beautiful story of redemption but I want to focus on Naomi and how God wrapped her in loving arms of provision and took care of her through His promises and divine mercy. 

At the beginning of this story we see a defeated Naomi who has lost what she was counting on for joy. With the death of her husband and two sons, she doesn’t see any hope for her future.  No children, no grandchildren, no one to carry on her family heritage or provide for her.  She basically tells Ruth that she is throwing away her life if she journeys with her back to the land of Judah. 

“But Naomi said, “Return home, my daughters. Why would you come with me? Am I going to have any more sons, who could become your husbands?”  Ruth‬ ‭1:11‬ ‭

She was looking so deep into the well of self pity and despair that she thought God had abandoned her and turned his back on her.

“…the Lord’s hand has turned against me!””  Ruth‬ ‭1:13‬

“”Don’t call me Naomi,” she told them. “Call me Mara, because the Almighty has made my life very bitter. I went away full, but the Lord has brought me back empty. Why call me Naomi? The Lord has afflicted me; the Almighty has brought misfortune upon me.”” Ruth‬ ‭1:20-21‬. [Naomi means “pleasantness”]

It may indeed, in that dark moment in time have looked like Naomi’s future would hold only sadness and sorrow. But, God had other plans and God was surely looking after Naomi and Ruth. God would redeem the circumstances of Naomi’s life …in fact, He already had a redeemer in place.

“Now Naomi had a relative on her husband’s side, a man of standing from the clan of Elimelek, whose name was Boaz.”  Ruth‬ ‭2:1‬ 

This kinsman redeemer did not just follow the Law in providing the minimums for Naomi that were his obligation to her but he embodied the heart of the law and extended genuine love and compassion to Naomi and also to Ruth because he admired and honored her love and sacrifices for Naomi. 

“May the Lord repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the Lord, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge.””  Ruth‬ ‭2:12‬ 

He made sure Ruth had extra and also protection and In providing for Ruth, Naomi’s provision was always his concern as well.  “and added, “He gave me these six measures of barley, saying, ‘Don’t go back to your mother-in-law empty-handed.’ ””  Ruth‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭

This story that starts out so sad and hopeless has such a beautiful transformation. Boaz becomes the kinsman redeemer who changes the outcome from tragedy to blessing. God blessed Ruth with the provision of a loving, kindhearted, reputable husband but he blessed Naomi as well..it is her joy and happiness that is emphasized in the union of Ruth and Boaz. “The women said to Naomi: “Praise be to the Lord, who this day has not left you without a guardian-redeemer. May he become famous throughout Israel! He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age. For your daughter-in-law, who loves you and who is better to you than seven sons, has given him birth.” Then Naomi took the child in her arms and cared for him. The women living there said, “Naomi has a son!” And they named him Obed. He was the father of Jesse, the father of David.”  Ruth‬ ‭4:14-17‬

God cared about Naomi and had not abandoned her in her time of sorrow and heartache. He cares about us the same and promises to give our sorrow purpose and to redeem our lives for His glory. Just as Boaz redeemed Naomi and Ruth from their physical destitution, Jesus redeems us from our spiritual destitution and offers us hope and an eternal future. 

“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. Lord my God, I will praise you forever.”  Psalms‬ ‭30:11-12‬ ‭

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.” Psalms‬ ‭43:5‬ ‭

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””  John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭

“and those the Lord has rescued will return. They will enter Zion with singing; everlasting joy will crown their heads. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”  Isaiah‬ ‭35:10‬ ‭

“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”  Revelation‬ ‭21:4‬ ‭

Reflection: 

1. When life is full of sorrow and loss do you feel as Naomi did, that God is against you?
2. Do you believe that God can transform your sorrow into joy?
3. Do you know Christ as your Redeemer?  This is a great resource for more info on What is a Kinsman Redeemer.

https://www.biblegateway.com/devotionals/quest-bible/0238/07/16?interface=print

Rahab is an amazing woman in many ways. Some may have seen her as just a prostitute, a woman to be scorned in terms of moral purity. But she was an intelligent woman, a courageous woman, a resourceful woman and a compassionate woman. Even more importantly than that, she was a woman who recognized that there was a God who fulfilled His promises to His people.

“I know that the Lord has given you this land .” Joshua 2:9

How did she know about the God of Israel? Well, from stories told and preserved. While the Israelites wandered in the wilderness for 40 years, these stories were not forgotten. 

“We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed.”‭‭Joshua‬ ‭2:9-10‬ 

God’s power was known among the pagan nations but they still clung to their powerless idols. They were afraid and yet they were not willing to change their allegiances and way of life. But Rahab was different. Not only was Rahab aware of these stories that attested to God’s power, but she recognized a very important attribute of God: His sovereignty. 

“for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.”Joshua‬ ‭2:11‬ ‭

Being Sovereign means God has supreme power and authority. God had the ability to change Rahab’s circumstances, her destiny, and most importantly her heart. Rahab was ready to submit her life to the God of Israel, the God who would be for her and not against her, the God who would redeem her life. And not only was Rahab rescued from her circumstances but God included her in His sovereign plan of a promised Savior. She was one of the women included  in the lineage of Jesus. 

Because God is sovereign, He can keep all of His promises. He is ultimately in charge and can work his good purposes even in a fallen,sinful world.  Do you recognize and trust in that sovereignty? Just like Rahab, we can find comfort in knowing that our circumstances and the value of our lives rests in the all powerful hands of a mighty and living God whose plans can not be thwarted. 

Some verses about His Sovereignty:

““I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”

‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭32:27‬ ‭

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭19:21‬ ‭

“Who can speak and have it happen if the Lord has not decreed it? Is it not from the mouth of the Most High that both calamities and good things come?”

‭‭Lamentations‬ ‭3:37-38‬ ‭

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭50:20‬ ‭NIV‬‬

“so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭45:6-7‬ ‭

“Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job‬ ‭42:1-2‬ ‭

Miriam was a woman who witnessed firsthand the awesome power of God many times in her lifetime. This trust was fostered in her as a young child by the women of faith close to her. Miriam trusted that God would be faithful and keep his promises to His people. She was taught to trust in spite of the challenges.

“You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”  Psalms‬ ‭32:7-8‬ 

Miriam knew about hiding. She helped her mother hide her new baby brother for 3 months hoping his cries would not be heard and his life snuffed out per Egyptian decree. She knew about trouble. She was born into slavery in Egypt and being a slave was a hard life under the cruel reign of the Egyptian Pharaoh. 

But, she also knew about deliverance. Just a child herself, she watched as the Egyptian princess fetched her baby brother from the river and decided to save his life. She boldly approached this royal entity, playing a vital role in returning Moses to the care of not just his loving mother and siblings but the care of his Israeli culture and heritage. Instead of growing up among Egyptian idol worship, he would be taught to worship the one, true God.

She knew trouble again as Moses returned to free his people and Pharaoh’s heart hardened, denying them freedom time and time again. But, yet again, she witnessed the deliverance of God in an amazing way. With the war chariots of the Egyptian army hot on their heels God parted the sea for their safe passage,then closed it upon their pursuing enemy. 

“Then Miriam the prophet, Aaron’s sister, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women followed her, with timbrels and dancing. Miriam sang to them: “Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. Both horse and driver he has hurled into the sea.””

‭‭Exodus‬ ‭15:20-21‬ ‭

Miriam gave all glory for deliverance to God and she taught by wisdom and example, leading the women to do the same. She knew that God was trustworthy and would help her. She taught the women that God was their strength and the source of their joy. As the Psalmist also knew, God hears His people and wants to help them. This should be cause for joy and celebration.

Praise be to the Lord, for he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him. The Lord is the strength of his people, a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.” Psalms‬ ‭28:6-8‬ ‭

Miriam sets a good example for us today. God has delivered us from the power of sin through our Savior, Christ. In this fallen world, we will face troubles just as the Israelites did in Miriam’s day. But God desires us to know the richness of His love and blessings. We can encourage other women to trust in God with hearts of praise and gratitude. 

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians‬ ‭3:15-17‬ ‭

We all have a natural tendency to do it….we compare. We compare ourselves to others and we decide how we measure up…are we inferior, equal to, or are we superior? The problem is that we use human standards and the opinion of others to determine our worth and our value. And we often chase after an unobtainable objective….the acceptance and admiration of others. We clamor for the spotlight and we strive to come out on top. Leah and Rachel were no exception.

“Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Jacob was in love with Rachel… Genesis‬ ‭29:16-18

…and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah…Genesis‬ ‭29:30‬ ‭

The stage is set…Rachel at this point has the spotlight. She is considered beautiful in the eyes of Jacob and desired. But, she isn’t the total package. In a society that valued fertility and the ability to pass on the family bloodline, Leah will get the upper hand.  Leah hopes this will put her in the spotlight to be loved and desired.  

“When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless. Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.””  Genesis‬ ‭29:31-32‬ ‭

She thought: If only I had the love of my husband, my life would be complete.

You would think that the beautiful and desired Rachel would have been fulfilled and content in her position of favorite wife, but the love of her husband was not enough to fulfill her sense of identity. Being barren, she didn’t meet the standard of the culture and society she lived in and she envied seeing Leah in the that spotlight. 

“When Rachel saw that she was not bearing Jacob any children, she became jealous of her sister. So she said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I’ll die!”” ‭‭Genesis‬ ‭30:1‬

She thought, if only I had children, then my life would be complete.

Comparison is a dangerous tool of the devil, from which envy, jealousy, depression, anxiety, etc often form a bitter root. It causes us to focus on how we measure up to earthly standards and to each other instead of the intrinsic value and worth that we are given by our Creator. God wants us to be wiser than that and reap the blessings that come from selfless love and humility.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” James‬ ‭3:13-18‬ ‭

Rachel and Leah kept looking for value, worth and a sense of being complete.  Where they failed, was in seeking the spotlight of human approval and validation which can never be enough. They were caught in the trap of being a “ people pleaser” instead of being free to be the authentic person that God desired them to be. Envy poisoned their perspectives and their ability to love each other. Instead of wishing goodwill towards the other, they were always trying to compete for favor and recognition. This is in stark contrast to the love of Christ.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”  Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭

Only in God can we find our true value and fulfillment. Only through Christ can we find unconditional love and acceptance. Only by getting over our sinful desire to compare and have the spotlight shining on our lives and circumstances can we truly love others with Christlike love. 

Remember:  We can not be all things to all people and we were never meant to be. We can not find happiness or peace in the gratitude or acceptance of others. We can not find completeness in the circumstances of life. Our fulfillment and intrinsic value comes from our Creator who works through us in spite of our imperfections. He is the One who should always have the spotlight. He is the One who promised us  the righteous completion of being in Christ.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.””  1 Corinthians‬ ‭1:26-31‬ ‭

Reflection: 

1. Do you believe life is a stage you have to perform on?
2. Do your attitudes put the spotlight on yourself or God?
3. Do you know the purpose of your life and your intrinsic worth?
4. Does envy keep you from having Christlike love?

Jesus knew that he would die as the sacrificial lamb for the sins of the world. But he also knew that God would resurrect Him from the dead. He began to tell his followers of what would come to pass. 

“From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” Matthew‬ ‭16:21‬ ‭

It became common knowledge that Jesus had foretold his death and resurrection which is why a gaurd and stone were placed at the tomb. I love that it would be the female followers of Jesus who would become the great first witnesses of this supernatural event. They had such love and devotion to Jesus that they got up before dawn to carry spices to the tomb. I wonder if they pondered these prophetical words and promises. But, even if they did, it was obvious they struggled to fully hope for they were certainly taken by surprise to find an empty tomb and to fully grasp that their beloved Savior yet lived. And yet, once they understood, they were eager to obey and they took action to share the news. 

We too, as women of faith, have had a personal encounter with the risen Savior. We have been included in this redemptive promise of God:

“because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans‬ ‭10:9‬ ‭

 And this promise also personally disclosed to a devoted female follower. “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.” John‬ ‭11:25-27‬ ‭

The women who went to the tomb that day knew Jesus in an intimate way and were grieved to be separated from Him and overjoyed to see Him again. The closer our relationship with Jesus, the more that becomes our experience as well. We should grow to treasure our connection to Him and long to be with Him in heaven. We should rejoice in the comfort of His promises to prepare us a heavenly home and return for us someday.

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day."”‭‭John‬ ‭6:38-40‬ ‭

“"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world will see me no more, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.”

‭‭John‬ ‭14:18-19‬ ‭

These promises are worth celebrating! What an honor that Jesus included women in sharing the most important news ever proclaimed: Our Beloved Savior Lives! Just like the women at the tomb that day, we can play a vital role in being witnesses of the resurrection power of Christ. 

“For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!"”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭10:13-15‬ ‭

The women at the tomb that day had beautiful feet and the news they shared would impact souls around the globe and extend into the future to impact you and I. May we also have beautiful feet that share with others the abundant, life giving promises of God.

When God blesses us with children and grandchildren, he also gives to us a sacred responsibility. He entrusts us, as the adults, to be an example to the young and He expects that we will provide for their well-being: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He loves every child born on this Earth and He longs for our children to learn of Him and know of His love and goodness from a young age. That is why He gave clear instructions to His people long, long ago.

I believe that Lois and Eunice were vital links in a long chain of generations that took this responsibility seriously and reaped its promises.  Their faith was described by Paul as “ a sincere faith”. That means it wasn’t just their words that instructed and influenced young Timothy but their lived out daily actions. I’m sure these Scriptures were familiar to them:

“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”  Proverbs‬ ‭22:6‬ ‭

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.”  Deuteronomy‬ ‭6:5-7‬ ‭

“For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants.”

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭44:3‬ ‭

I was fortunate to be raised from a young age to know Scripture and to be taught about God’s love. My grandmother, in particular, was a strong influence in my life because she exemplified a steadfast faith. I was blessed that prior generations imprinted the Scriptures on my heart and so this instruction and promise has become important in encouraging me to continue persevering in my faith and sharing my faith with future generations.

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”

‭‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3:14-17‬ ‭

As a parent, I have tried to impress upon my children the importance of being a child of God. I have enjoyed every milestone my children have reached through the years. Just like most parents, we have celebrated the important milestones. But, I can honestly say, that in my heart, I celebrated the most when they proclaimed their personal trust in Christ as their Savior. Now, I have peace that wherever they go and whatever comes their way, God is their security and guide. 

But what if you didn’t get the opportunity to train up your children in Christ? Or what if they have decided to go their own way? Well, that is when you have to pray and be responsive to God to have influence now as He guides. You can still be an influence in their lives and an example of Christ’s love. 

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him, rooted and built up in him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” Colossians‬ ‭2:6-7‬ ‭

I pray for my children faithfully. I know that this life will bring many snares and trials their way and I want God to guide their every step. And I pray for their future children. I also pray for others in my extended family and their children who don’t know Christ. God can redeem any situation, any life. Prayers for others salvation is in keeping with His will:

“who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1Timothy‬ ‭2:4‬ ‭

Just as Lois and Eunice were sincere women of faith, I hope that you will also be faithful to influence future generations through prayer, example, and trust. 

In the story of Dorcas we see the impact of a genuine, sincere heart of service on the lives of others. Her death impacted both the men and the women of that community. The Scripture tells us she was FULL of good works and acts of charity. 

It wasn’t her deeds that made such an impact but the heart from which those deeds were born. She lived out this quality of Christian service.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ ‭

Christian service is about others. Jesus came to this Earth and left the comforts and prestige of heaven for others. He suffered and surrendered his very life for others. When we genuinely care about others we are cooperating in His continued ministry on Earth and extending his love to others. 

“By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” ‭‭1 John‬ ‭3:16-18‬ ‭

“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”

‭James‬ ‭1:27‬ 

The Bible tells us God appreciates and honors this cooperative effort. In the case of Dorcus he restored her earthly life. For us, it may be spiritual reward. We may see some earthly manifestation or we may only see heavenly manifestation, but God’s Word promises that genuine service is greatly valued and benefits God’s plans. Our service to others will ultimately bless and enrich our lives as well. 

“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” Proverbs‬ ‭19:17‬ 

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Galatians‬ ‭6:9-10‬ ‭

“For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do. And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” Hebrews‬ ‭6:10-12

My prayer for you is that you will have a heart like Dorcas with genuine concern for the well-being of others and inherit all the promises of God that He delights for you to partake in.

Mary Magdalene is mentioned in all four gospels and we know that she was very close to Jesus. She was a very devoted follower of Jesus and supporter of his ministry. I believe that devotion came from an abundant gratitude from being rescued by Jesus from the dark clutches of evil. The Bible tells us of who she was before her encounter with Christ...

Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out...(Luke 8:2)

I can’t imagine having 7 demons to muck up my thoughts and desires and control my behaviors. It must have been a tortuous nightmare and one that she was powerless to rid herself of. We all have our sins and flesh to contend with but we are as powerless to free ourselves as Mary was. But, just like Mary, we have His promises of salvation and being free from whatever hold evil has over us:

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

‭‭Colossians‬ ‭1:13-14‬ 

‭

Mary was grateful and loved Jesus intently. Out of love and gratitude she stayed near Him as He traveled the land teaching. And she stayed near him as He hung on the cross suffering, and breathing his final breath. 

“Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene.”John‬ ‭19:25‬ 

I’m sure the Crucifixion would forever be a place of mixed sorrow and joy.  It’s near the cross that we too will find His promises fulfilled that give us a hope and a future...

Near the cross, a trembling soul,
Love and mercy found me;
There the bright and Morning Star
Shed its beams around me.

Near the cross! O Lamb of God,
Bring its scenes before me;
Help me walk from day to day
With its shadow o’er me.

Near the cross I’ll watch and wait,
Hoping, trusting ever,
Till I reach the golden strand
Just beyond the river.

And Mary, out of her endless devotion, was up early In the morning to go show reverence to Jesus by visiting his tomb. Because of that devotion, she had a special privileged encounter with the risen Savior. She was crying because his body was gone but Jesus called her by name and she then recognized her Lord was alive. 

She was one of the first evangelists of the wonderful news of a risen Savior. We too have the promise of an intimate relationship with Christ. We have to spend time with Him for these intimate encounters to occur. He wants to meet with us. He knows each of us by name and He wants to make himself known to us so we can share that knowledge with others. 

“But whoever loves God is known by God.” 1 Corinthians‬ ‭8:3‬ ‭

Mary learned during her life that nothing could separate her from Christ or His love...not the demons inside of her ...not physical death ...not even an empty tomb. We have that same promise to trust in..

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans‬ ‭8:38-39‬