Rise in strength – Mary Magdalene as a role model
By Mrs. Magdalene Apeh
Mrs. Magdalene Apeh is the immediate past National President of the Girls’ Brigade Nigeria, she served from 2015 -2021.
She joined the Girls’ Brigade as a teenager and is still a proud member. During her time in the Girls’ Brigade, she has served in many leadership positions: as a Company Captain, a District Secretary, a State Commandant, a National Secretary and finally, the National President.
Aside from the Girls’ Brigade, she has served with the Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) as a teacher with the Children Sunday School. She also taught bible study classes for eleven years with her local church.
She was married to the late Mr. Joseph Apeh and has children and grandchildren. She is a trained teacher by profession and her hobbies are writing and travelling. She is involved in small scale business as a secular job.
Even though she has stepped down as the National President, she continues to hold an advisory role to the current executives and is still dedicated to her company where she teaches girls in her local church.
MARY MAGDALENE, Luke 8:1 -3, John 20:1 -2, 11 -18.
Magdalene was a woman possessed by seven evil spirits, until Jesus delivered her from that terrible condition.
When one is possessed, they are automatically instruments of the devil. Whatever the devil instructs, the one in such bondage is powerless to resist because they are owned by the devil. That person turns into a chronic liar, a thief, a killer and a destroyer, doing so many harmful and hurtful things both to oneself and those around (John 8:44, 10:10).
At last, Jesus stepped into her situation, He rescued her and turned her into a very important instrument for good, in the hands of the Lord, she became a woman whom many women emulate today.
Reflection:
- Mary Magdalene used her wealth to support the Lord’s Ministry. We are in a world that is dominated by materialism. You can discipline yourself to be a supporter of the Gospel despite the selfish ambition exhibited all around. How much do you invest in God’s kingdom? Or are you more interested in living a comfortable life? Can you make sacrifices for the furthering of the message?
- She was a first witness of Christ after His resurrection; in other words, an evangelist. How many people have you talked to about Jesus’ death and resurrection and God’s love?
- Magdalene demonstrated courage. While the twelve disciples and other followers of Jesus were hiding for fear of being killed by the Jews, she counted her life worth nothing – she was out there to find the Saviour, not minding what the soldiers could do to her at the tomb. She demonstrated self-denial, one of the conditions Christ gave for following Him (Luke 9:23).
- Mary Magdalene was fully dedicated to serving Jesus, even up to the seeming finality of His death. This is because she was fully aware of what she had been saved from and the hope she had been given. How grateful are you to the Saviour and all He has done for you? How far would you go to show your love for Him? (Luke 7:47b).
Challenge
Like Magdalene, you can come to Jesus with your burden of sin to experience forgiveness. The problems of loneliness, poverty, sickness, injustice, unemployment, a troublesome marriage, rebellious child, addiction(s), and other vices can be laid down at Calvary. Jesus can do it for you as He did for Magdalene.
Do not allow any condition you are in to weigh you down, with Jesus on your side, you can rise up in strength even when it seems hope is gone, for the end of the matter is better than the beginning.
If you have been saved, show your gratitude by being a propagator of the Gospel. You can give, pray, and tell others about the love of God and the impending judgement and punishment.
Shalom!
