God Remembers Our Service

Greet Mary, who bestowed much labour on us.

Romans 16:6

Mary is an interesting name. Miriam and Maria are the alternative structures for this name. It is interesting because it means “rebellion”. Such a meaning for a beautiful name, but is it not true that the best of men is still filthiness before the Holy and wonderful Creator? (Isa 64:6). That no matter how wonderful we are on the outside, God looks on the heart and for those who have never trusted Christ, we are sinners by birth and choice. Why did Paul remember Mary and mentioned her in his greetings?

Because she has been saved. Though rebellion is her name, yet the power of the Lord Jesus has changed her from the inside. She has become a new creature. She is no longer the rebel but the son, no longer the traitor but the loyal submissive one. She no longer walks in her own ways but is in obedience to the King of kings. Through this verse, we see the grace of God evidently working in her life. The gospel of Christ changes rebels into friends and into saints for Christ.

Because she worked hard for the ministry and took care of the man of God. Her changed nature led her to good works for the ministry of God. She bestowed much labour indicated that she worked to the point of exhaustion and fatigue for the ministry. There have been many who for the sake of Christ, quietly and surely gave all for Christ, to the point of tiredness. There is a joy in serving Jesus, a joy that tiredness or situations cannot remove or rob us of. She not only worked hard for the ministry but she also took care of the man of God. Whether Mary knew Paul or not was not mentioned but her concern, care, and work for Paul is reflective of the heart and principles of the New Testament for we see that the servant of Christ is always taken care of by the Christians. Paul was the privileged recipient of such a generous, kind and helpful Christian lady.

Because God Remembers Her In Her Deeds. Paul included her in the list of people that he mentions in his greetings. There is not much said about what Mary did, but what she did was remembered and mentioned by the apostle. But more inspiring is that the work of this Mary is included in the book of God that will be read by millions all over this world. Many feel discouraged because they would serve the Lord but because recognition does not come, they feel dejected, down, discouraged, disillusioned and disappointed.

Yet, the encouragement from this verse is that God sees what we do and have jotted it down in His book in Heaven. One day at the judgment seat of Christ, there will be the unveiling of many unsung heroes, who did the right thing, serve tirelessly, without reward in this world, to whom the Lord Jesus would indicate to the watching Christians: well done! The many millions who perished because they stood strong in the faith, the many millions who were servants for Jesus sake, not caring about their own reputation, desire or reward.

Dear brethren, salvation turns us from rebels into servants for Christ. Genuine change in our hearts will be evident in the things we do and aim for in this life. Mary gave herself to the ministry of Paul and the Lord. God remembers our deeds. Nothing we do for Christ will be shortchanged, all will be accounted for. Therefore, work for Christ and His cause. There is no higher cause!

Lord, keep us faithful like Mary was, to Your work.

Written by: Pastor Johnny Tan