Mary Magdalene

I've come across a really interesting poem by John Piper called 'Mary Magdalene'. We know from the bible that Mary Magdalene was delivered of seven demons by Jesus and became a follower. We know that she knew Joanna, from Herods court. And we know- or can guess- she came from Magdala, hence her name. Magdala was the centre of a cult that worshipped Astarte or Astoreth, a fertility goddess. Piper has woven a story from this. It can't be proved to be true, but it's a fascinating poem. You can find it here:

www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Poems/ByDate/1411_Mary_Magdalene_Part_1/

And here is the final verse:

And so, sweet fire of candle three,
That burns so bright and painfully,
Come, light the midnight of our days,
And strike the towers of our ways.
And when we think our chains are strong,
And slavery has been too long,
And wicked ropes are bound too tight,
And demons lurk beneath our sight,
Think not that we are too unclean:
Remember Mary Magdalene.
Come sweetly, painful flame, and be
The fire that sets the captives free