Loyalty: Mary Magdalene's Warrior SpiritSample

Loyalty is a core value instilled in soldiers serving in the United States Army. As a U.S. Army veteran, I have found profound inspiration in Mary Magdalene's unwavering loyalty to Jesus. Her steadfast devotion has left an indelible mark on my heart, sparking lessons I now wish to share with you. Together, as fellow soldiers of Christ, let us delve into these timeless truths that challenge and inspire us to live with unwavering faith and allegiance to our Savior and Lord.

Set free from seven unclean spirits, Mary Magdalene did not think twice about giving her life to the one who brought her deliverance. I imagine that every believer can relate to experiencing deliverance from strongholds such as addictions, shame, unforgiveness, and more.

Freedom from spiritual captivity or darkness is made possible through Jesus's death and resurrection (Colossians 1:13-14; Romans 6:5-11). Like Mary Magdalene, we can express our gratitude to Jesus for freeing us from the dominion of darkness by doing the three things she did after her deliverance:

1. She followed Jesus to the end.
2. She met the needs of Jesus.
3. She bore witness to the resurrection of Jesus.

Today, Let's Address Following Jesus to the End

Mark 15:40-41 (NIrV) says: Not very far away, some women were watching. Mary Magdalene was among them. Mary, the mother of the younger James and of Joseph, was also there. So was Salome. In Galilee, these women had followed Jesus. They had taken care of his needs. Many other women were also there. They had come up with him to Jerusalem.

Mary Magdalene followed Jesus to the end. In a moment of uncertainty, when the deliverer didn’t appear to be a deliverer, she remained steadfast. Mary Magdalene's faith was not shaken like that of most of Jesus's inner-circle disciples (Mark 14:27 & 50). Perhaps it was because she followed Jesus for who He is and out of gratitude for what He did for her, rather than for what she could gain from Him.

The disciples' dream of ruling in an earthly kingdom alongside Jesus seemed impossible once He was arrested. Overwhelmed and hopeless, they fled. But Mary Magdalene's greatest dream was to stay close to Jesus, ministering to Him and meeting His needs. Jesus was her reward, and leaving Him was unthinkable. She had resolved in her heart to follow Him against all odds. A soldier on active duty wants to please his commanding officer and so does not get mixed up in the affairs of civilian life. 2 Timothy 2:4 (GNT)

As believers, we must also follow Jesus to the end. Our faith must be unwavering, allowing nothing to deter us from the one who gave His all for us. Let us purpose in our hearts not to flee or deny the faith when persecution arises. Let us resolve that life's challenges will never turn us away from our Savior. Let's pray for supernatural strength for our brothers and sisters residing in societies hostile to the gospel of Jesus.