“MARY!” DAY OF THE LORD APRIL 9, 2023

JOHN 20:1

1. Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw the stone had been removed from – lifted out of the groove across the entrance of – the tomb.

Jesus had always told that He would die and be raised from the dead. Could it be that Mary believed Him? She came to the tomb while it was still dark. Maybe she was hoping that she would find Him alive and well. She went and told Peter and the other disciples that the tomb was empty. They did come and look but did not hang around.

Mary could not leave. She wanted and needed to see Jesus. She stood there sobbing and then looked into the tomb and saw the 2 angels. She was not willing to leave without knowing where Jesus’ body was. She was determined to find Him. That is what He wants from us. When we are determined and will not take no for an answer, that is when He shows up!

He says to seek, and you shall find. She turned and saw Jesus but did not recognize Him. But she told Him (thinking He was the gardener) ” tell me where you put Him, and I will take Him away.” She was not leaving until she knew where He was. She was determined to find Him and did find Him!

And He calls her by name, “Mary!” I am sure she spent more time with Him than we are told. She was chosen to be the first to see Him and bring the good news that He had risen. What an honor! He had to force Himself on the disciples. They were hiding behind closed doors in fear of the Jews. Mary went looking for Him.

The Lord is good and merciful to us all. But each will receive his own reward for what he has done and the motive behind it. In the last days it will be a time of recompense. All will reap what they have sown, and the Lord keeps good and accurate records.

We need to be like Mary and search for Him with all our heart and we will find Him. He will reveal Himself as never before. It will be a glorious time for His own who search for Him with all their hearts!

🎶 SONG – HE’S ALIVE AGAIN – EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW – FALLIN’ IN LOVE WITH YOU – PHIL DRISCOLL