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Eternal Satisfaction
Mary loved every minute of it. When his flattering words flooded her consciousness, she closed her eyes and hung her head back as if to say that each word gave her new life. She was flying high on the wings of his approbation, although it came only when he wanted her to stay the night with him. She inhaled the inviting atmosphere of vice as she indulged “Just one more time.” But when morning came, and the sun shone brightly upon her weakness, she loathed herself. How did she get here again after promising herself and God that she would never do it again? Her empty promises were like ropes of sand. Her temporary high was ruined by the reality that she had done it again—she yielded to her secret passion. Why? For a feeling that could never lead to eternal satisfaction.
There are many Marys in the world today—many who are not well acquainted with the only One who truly satisfies. Men and women alike often reach for that elusive “thing” that comforts us. For some it’s drugs; for others it’s pride, overeating, or alcohol. No matter what we choose to take us away, medicating ourselves against the trials we all face, it will not take long for each of us to realize that our approach to completeness will never truly satiate our hunger. Our spiritual sustenance can be provided only by Christ.
Mary Magdalene learned this valuable lesson. Can you envision the scene? Jesus is at a religious leader’s home with people gathered all around. Some of the people really loved Him. Others just gathered as usual to be covert critics.
Then Mary walks in with her head bowed, trying to blend in, undetected. She opens the expensive container, fragrant with the symbol of her years of need—her years of guilt and shame. She now knows that yielding to her addiction only hurt her. Her tears streaming from her eyes mix with the priceless fragrant offering landing on His feet, and in the ultimate act of worship she bathes them, using her hair. For a moment, which seems to take an eternity, her faith has finally found rest as it grasps the power of God.
Jesus answered both the internal jeers of His enemies and the quiet worship of souls in need when He accepted her shame. He came into close, personal contact with all the painful attempts at self-gratification. He transferred His character and love directly to Mary in answer to her deepest need. And she left that house fragrant with true praise and worship, able to face life with renewed hope. Nevermore would she need to resort to vice. She met the Savior for herself.
Jesus is still making Himself available today. In our times of crisis, when we are tempted to yield to addiction, we need only to pray for help, literally run away from the place of temptation (which may include professional intervention), and receive His victory by faith. As we exercise our will in faith, He supplies all the power we need. He stands ready and able to give us eternal satisfaction.
L. DAVID HARRIS, assistant registrar, Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland, is founder of Each 1 Reach Many Ministries, author of Know Peace Within: A Life in Transition, and the two-volume set Alive at 5: Victory in Retrospect. To find out more, visit www.reachmanyradio.com.
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