Pastor Perspective

“Before…After” by Mike Hill, pastor of Calvary Chapel Aberdeen (mjhill@ida.net)

Weight loss testimonials amuse me.  The majority of the before/after photos I’ve perused don’t display much change.  Sure, the guy’s gut in the “before” shot looks like a vertical camel’s hump.  But, come on.  The “after” picture is a completely different angle, better lighting, and he’s simply straining to hold in his stomach.  Oh, and with a silly fake smile.  I can even do that.  Okay, okay.  I confess, I actually do hold in my gut when I know someone’s looking.  Don’t you?

Then there’s the real deal.  The change is so evident that the before/after pictures look like two dramatically different people.  It’s interesting to read their stories of how their outward change affected their view of themselves and relationships.  They excitedly declare, “It changed my whole life!”

Mary Magdalene was due for a change.  But who could help her?  The seven demons tormented her relentlessly.  She was a social outcast.  No one had much hope for her…not that she had any left for herself.  Not much is said about her upbringing.  Was she abused by her parents?  An uncle?  This woman suffered a tragic life, used and abused by the devil and by the hands of selfish men.  Mary Magdalene never had the experience of true love, just manipulation and control.  She was beyond hope for a better life.  Until she met Jesus. 

When He gazed into her eyes, she instantly sensed something different from any other man she encountered.  He looked upon her with holy love and genuine compassion.  He valued her.  He treated her with honor and respect.  He did not seek to take from her, but to give His life.  Jesus freely loved her, forgave her, and set her free. 

“Now when [Jesus] was risen early the first [day] of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils” (Mark 16:9).

Mary Magdalene experienced the real deal.  Here’s a woman who in the “before” picture of her life was utterly hopeless and tragic.  The religious community considered her beyond the reach of God.  After her encounter with Jesus, she experienced genuine change evident in the “after” picture of her life.  Mary knew she was loved, forgiven, and secure in her relationship with God.  She recklessly abandoned herself to Christ’s love and care.  Where were the disciples at the crucifixion?  In hiding.  Mary was there with Jesus.  Who was the first of Christ’s follower’s to witness the resurrection?  Mary.  When did the dramatic change occur?…when she joined a church?  No.  When her life was touched by Jesus.

Consider your “before/after” picture.  Does your life bear testimony to religion, emotional hype, or a genuine relationship with the risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?  Be like Mary.  Recklessly abandon your life to the compassion and care of Christ.  He’ll completely change your life.  And the after picture will be the real deal.