My team of women

Sunday 1-8-17, Home again, Modesto, California

Today we read Gen 20 – 22 and Luke 8 

S = Scripture  O = Observation  A = Application  P = Prayer  SOAP for the soul.

S. Luke 8:1-3 Not long afterward Jesus began a tour of the nearby cities and villages to announce the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God. He took his twelve disciples with him, along with some women he had healed and from whom he had cast out evil spirits. Among them were Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others who were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples. NLT

O. We usually think of Jesus traveling with only his 12 disciples, but at least while in Galilee as they visited nearby cities and villages, he was accompanied by a fairly large group of devout women including “Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons; Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod's business manager; Susanna; and many others…” Mark adds two more names: “Mary (the mother of James the younger and of Joseph), and Salome… followers of Jesus and who cared for him while he was in Galilee. (Mark 15:40-41) These women not only followed Him, but “were contributing from their own resources to support Jesus and his disciples.” Joanna, was wife to King Herod’s business manager. Probably King Herod was unaware that his business manager’s wife was tithing to Jesus. These ladies heard His parables and witnessed His miracles. And they doubtless supplied good, healthy food and encouraged Him. They were part of Jesus’ team, faithful even to follow Him into the jaws of death when He returned to die in Jerusalem and to be the first at the empty tomb.

A. Where would Frances and I be without the faithful lady servants of the Lord that have encouraged us, supported us and prayed daily for us? Yes, and still today, my ministry is blessed and expanded by women of the Lord. One is a lady servant of the Lord who translates all my devotionals into Spanish. Another lady responds to every single devotional to encourage me. One sends faithful monetary support to my missionary account, although I never requested it. And all these pray daily for me (and several men, too). They are my consistent, dependable team.

P. What a blessing, Lord Jesus! Yes, there are many more, both men and women that are part of my team. Tears flow when they hug me and whisper, “I pray for you every day.” These are those that will follow me to the grave… either theirs or mine… and one day soon we will gather at Your feet, dear Jesus, where we will celebrate together. Amen.

Ralph