2008-07-24 14:24:00
"Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you" (Romans 16:6).
I saw "Mary" in action at a church gathering. A disabled person had fallen and in the process had also become very frightened. The scene was becoming somewhat chaotic as people were looking on while the uncomfortable drama unfolded. Due to a life-altering injury the man encountered many years ago he was unable to cope with the situation and needed assistance, both physically and emotionally. A "Mary" lovingly helped this individual to exercise self-restraint while maintaining his dignity.
Most who are familiar with the Bible will readily identify Hebrews 11 as the "Hall of Fame of Faith". This chapter mentions many of the famous characters of the Old Testament such as Noah, Abraham and Moses.
But Romans 16 is another Hall of Fame representing the scores of little known believers who have contributed to the advancement of God's Kingdom throughout the church age. Most of the names mentioned in this chapter (35 altogether) are not referred to anywhere else in Scripture. Yet each made an impact on Paul's life and upon many others as well.
Mention the name, Mary, in the Bible and one probably assumes a reference to the mother of our Lord or to Mary Magdalene. But today's brief Scripture verse is the only Mary mentioned in any of the epistles, a dedicated local believer in the Roman church. Her impact was such that Paul made a special greeting to her in his epistle, "Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you."
Her simple distinction? "She worked very hard for you." We are not told what she did, but the Roman believers knew very well. Perhaps she was on the fellowship committee or she rocked the crying babies to sleep. Those are sure two hard jobs in a healthy, active church! Maybe she stayed around after a church meal to scrub the dishes (way before the days of plastic ware or paper plates.) That chore had to be done back then as well.
Whatever she did, she worked very hard. The emphasis on "very" is purposeful. The KJV reads "bestowed much labor." Finally let us note the simple words "for you." What a blessing she must have been to the church in Rome as she diligently served others!
We've met a lot of people through the years like Mary. In fact some have actually been named Mary! What a tremendous blessing they are; ordinary people using ordinary gifts to build up Christ's extraordinary church. All over the world, unheralded and often underappreciated, they're still a major part of God's plan in getting the job done.
Take note of the "Marys" among you in your congregation. Speak a word of appreciation to them as you intentionally notice that which others might unintentionally miss. And if you happen to be a hard worker for Christ like Mary you will someday hear the words of greatest commendation from the Master Himself, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
Be encouraged today,
Stephen & Brooksyne Weber
Daily Prayer: Father, as we diligently labor for You it is not to bring attention to ourselves, but it is to bring glory to Your name and further the kingdom of God. Help us to find our place of Christian service where we can develop our gifts and expend our labors for building up the body of Christ. Amen.
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