Women at the Tomb - Joanna

It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles. Luke 24:10

And certain women, which had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom went seven devils, 3  And Joanna the wife of Chuza Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, which ministered unto him of their substance. Luke 8:2-3

Here was a diverse group of women who ministered to the Lord. Joanna’s name is only mentioned in two verses. The one thing that stood out to me was Joanna was the wife of Chuza Herod’s steward.

The Greek word for steward is: a commissioner i.e. domestic manager, guardian… Chuza was one of the people who took care of King Herod. His wife was a Christian and followed the King of Kings and helped take care of Him. She along with Mary Magdalene and others took care of Jesus with their own possessions.

Herod was not a believer. Chuza worked for Herod and took care of the everyday details of the King’s life. Chuza is only mentioned one time in the Bible so very little is known about him.

What do we know about Joanna? We know that Joanna was healed of an infirmity. Infirmities from the Greek means feebleness (of body or mind) by implication malady; moral frailty: - disease, infirmity, sickness, weakness. Her sickness could be a wide variety of illnesses. Whatever the illness was Joanna was completely healed by the Ultimate Healer, Jesus. The second thing we know is that Joanna became a devoted follower of Jesus and ministered to him with all she had.

What I learned about Joanna is don’t ever underestimate where the Lord has placed you. I am where I am, doing what I’m doing, because God has put me here.

Joanna appears to be a faithful and diligent servant of the Lord. It did not matter what Joanna’s station or standing in life was, God healed and saved her.

God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:11). He loves each and every one (John 3:16)

As you travel on the path that the Lord has placed you on, remember God can and will use you, if you are willing to follow His lead. 

Have a blessed day,
Donna

Poor & Wise or Old & Foolish

13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king, who will no more be admonished. 14 For out of prison he cometh to reign; whereas also he that is born in his kingdom becometh poor. 15 I considered all the living which walk under the sun, with the second child that shall stand up in his stead. 16 There is no end of all the people, even of all that have been before them: they also that come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. Ecclesiastes 4:13-16

The Lord doesn’t look at our riches or station in life. He looks at our hearts. It is better to be poor and wise than old and foolish. Ask the Lord for wisdom and discernment.

…for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart. 1Samuel  16:7 

For there is no respect of persons with God. Romans 2:11 

True wisdom is to know what is best worth knowing and to do what is best worth doing. ~ Edward Humphrey

Suppose that a man would advertise to take photographs of the heart; would he get many customers? ~ D.L. Moody

What are your motives for doing what you do? Is your heart and motives “lined up’ with God?

Have a blessed day, 

Donna