I attended a bible study at SPWOC last night led by JC Hash, Jr.; the focus of the discussion was Mary Magdalene, a much maligned, often dismissed, disciple of Jesus. It was such a different perspective from the common mindset that declared her a prostitute (without scriptural support) or the more modern theories that Mary was Jesus' consort, or even his wife.

The highlights of this were:

• Mary and Jesus met at Mary's lowest point and condition (possessed as she was by no less than 7 demons!)
• Mary, her life, and her world view was changed suddenly by her encounter with Jesus
• Mary and Jesus shared a spiritual, not a physical relationship
• Mary's life and actions declared, "I believe":
• • If you believe, your actions will follow what you believe and your belief will be in your actions.
• Mary had a willing heart; God uses willing hearts wherever, whenever, and in whomever he encounters.
• Mary was one of several women who were part of Jesus' ministry and supported the ministry financially as well.
• Mary and her faith kept her there at all the key points:

• Providing support during his walk
• Ministering to Jesus during the Passion and Crucifixion
• Accompanied the Christ to his burial
• Was the 1^st to whom Christ appeared after resurrection

And after all of this, the key thing is that at the end, though by sight she could not identify his face, she *recognized his voice when he called her name!* and *followed Jesus' command* that she go and tell his other followers that "I ascend to my Father and your Father, and to my God and your God."

JC, Jr.'s final key points were these:

• Women are the oldest and the newest force of the spirit
• God will use your willing heart, faith and spirit to bring all people to him
• Will you recognize the Father's voice when he calls your name?
• And will you obey the call when you hear it?

I know that I was called; I heard and recognized his voice and obeyed the command to "move here, now." It is the reason that I am safe, here in Winston-Salem, surrounded by his angels and saints, going through the training that will allow me to do his work.

The special message I received in the spirit last night is this: He is calling out to many of us, calling us to our places in the world, raising up a body of women who will lead others and do His mighty work.

¶ 8/03/2004 06:08:00 AM 0 comments