[RE]FOCUS Day 49
Week 7: Redeeming
Day 7: Easter
By Pastor Chris Troxel
READ:
John 20:11-18 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!”
Mary’s grief outweighed her wonder. The presence of angels, of Jesus, even the voice the Savior did not rattle her from her wounded faith. In the face of unexpected suffering, death, loss – none of it seemed to matter. “Christ is risen” – but Mary’s heart was still in the tomb.
Then Jesus appeared. His appearance did not immediately solve all of Mary’s problems. Even though she did not perceive it, Jesus is present with her, as she still mourns her Easter mourning. Jesus hears her out. He receives her bewildered grief and responds with one word. A word filled with humility, familiarity, love, hope, power – life. He speaks her name. When Jesus calls Mary by name, it is as though Jesus calls her from the tomb of her grief. Jesus calls her name and she is set free. Jesus calls her name and she knows. She believes.
Jesus won to redeem the wonder. Jesus went up from the grave to redeem those weighed down by it. Sometimes we don’t respond the first time, sometimes we’re overcome by the weight of all we’ve lost. Then Jesus calls you by name. And He calls you by name again, and He calls you again, and he keeps calling. He calls you to set you free. He calls you to know the truth. He calls you to believe.
Christ is risen.
He is risen indeed. Alleluia.
PRAY:
Redeemer, thank you for new life! Thank you for doing everything necessary to earn our salvation for us, and then everything necessary to form faith in us. When we are overcome by darkness and despair, console and comfort us with Your light, life, and peace. Put our anxious hearts at ease in Your presence. Amen.
LIVE:
What do you wonder about regarding Easter? What questions tend to keep you in the tomb? What sets you free?