The Near Orbit
Yesterday we looked at the far orbit - how Martha and her family loved Jesus but didn’t follow him closely. They kept their home and their lives as they were. They welcomed Jesus when he cam through Bethany but didn’t do the whole “drop your nets and follow him” thing. And yet Jesus loved them just as they were and valued their orbit no less than those who orbited more closely.
Today we’re looking at the near orbit. Notice how these women followed Jesus, giving up their families and their normal lives to follow along with him from village to village. Note how they spent their money to support the whole group of disciples.
After this, Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been cured of evil spirits and diseases: Mary (called Magdalene) from whom seven demons had come out; Joanna the wife of Chuza, the manager of Herod’s household; Susanna; and many others. These women were helping to support them out of their own means. - Luke 8:1-3
Now think about what an incredible gift it must have been to see this bizarre Rabbi come to town with female disciples who travelled with his other closest disciples! It must have been so freeing for other women! And that’s part of the gift of following close to Jesus - it gives permission for others to do the same. Plus, it’s a great place to build deep community both with those like you (the other women) and those different than you (the men). Plus you get all kinds of access to Jesus to ask questions and share life.
The closer orbit is that season in life when you circle closer to the sun (and the Son). Think of it just like a planet: during the winter months, the planet is still circling the sun, but just at a greater distance in its elliptical orbit. The summer months are when that orbit comes so much closer. There are different seasons for us as well - times when we are closer and times when we are further. And there is favor in all the seasons - and they are all healthy for our planet and for our souls. (We’ll look more these coming weeks at what helps these seasons be the best they can be).
What season are you in now? How can you give thanks for that, knowing that Jesus honors this season.