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Scriptures: Isaiah 43:1 (NASB) – “But now, this is what the Lord says, He who is your Creator, Jacob, And He who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!’” John 20:16 (NIV) – “Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’ She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, ‘Rabboni!’ (which means “Teacher”).” Message: Mary Magdalene is consumed by grief. During His years of ministry, Jesus has healed her, restored her and honored her. He has given her a new life; in return she has given Him her heart and her allegiance. In the last week she watched as He was betrayed and brutally killed by the Roman authorities at the request of the religious leaders. All her hopes, dreams and purposes have been destroyed. Now she stands at His tomb ready to perform her last act of devotion; to anoint his body for burial according to the Jewish custom. The tomb is empty. She stands, grief stricken and confused; the other disciples have left. Somehow she cannot bear to leave the last place where she saw Jesus as He was laid in the tomb. A man she assumes is the gardener approaches her, asking who she is looking for; she doesn’t recognize him. Then Jesus speaks one word which changes everything – “Mary” – He calls her by her name. Now her eyes are opened, her grief dispelled; she recognizes Jesus. She is once more redeemed and restored. Jesus has called her by name and she knows that she is His forever. Jesus calls each one of us by our name because each of us is more precious to Him than life itself. If we tune our hearts to His and sit and wait quietly in His presence, then He will come and call us by name, then we too will rejoice with Mary, knowing we are His forever. Prayer: Blessed Savior, Thank You for Your unfailing love and forgiveness that allows me to approach, in prayer, the throne room of Heaven. Thank You that you know me by name, that you hold my name safely in Your hands and lift me towards Heaven. Whatever my circumstance today, enable me to draw close enough to You to hear You whisper my name so that I have the assurance that I am held, precious and safe, by You. Amen.
Jean Whiting |
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