“Even in the mud and scum of things, something always, always sings.”
10When the builders laid the foundation of the temple of the Lord, the priests in their vestments and with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their places to praise the Lord, as prescribed by David king of Israel. 11With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the Lord:
“He is good;
his love toward Israel endures forever.”
JOHN 20
11Now Mary stood outside the tomb crying. As she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb 12and saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been, one at the head and the other at the foot.
13They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I don’t know where they have put him.” 14At this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize that it was Jesus.
15He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”
16Jesus said to her, “Mary.”
She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
JOURNAL
The historical perspectives surrounding this event along with the biblical account is fascinating. I also find it compelling how the women become the central focus from the point of crucifixion up to the resurrection. Mary is considered to have been very wealthy and a supporter of Jesus' ministry. She was said to have been healed of demonic possession and is mentioned by name at least 12 times throughout the gospels...which is more than most of the disciples.
It is interesting, how her initial response is “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” She obviously has the means and ability to do this...what is also interesting is that most criminals who were crucified were tossed out and their bodies were eaten by wild dogs, etc. Nicodemus is known to have used his position and gained permission for Jesus to be buried in a tomb. I have no doubts that Mary was a central figure in getting that done.
Thinking through all the drama that surrounded this moment in time, makes it even more compelling to think of Mary's state of mind when she encounters the risen Jesus. Again though, that is the work of an amazing God. Also, it is incredible how subtle this meeting is, instead of angels and trumpets, it's Jesus simply calling Mary by her name. Also I am sure this is not how Mary saw all of this unfolding. No one really did, this was the farthest thing from their minds a few days prior yet God transformed perceived tragedy into glory.
Thinking of this in terms of my life and this day in time, this is the reality that I so often miss. Jesus is simply calling my name, through his word, through prayer, through the love of friends and family. God is in it all and never fails to care for me in the simplest and most powerful ways. Even in the mundane or the tragic, he is there calling and offering life. That life is the 24 hours of today and what I do with it. These precious 24 hours are what can turn the mundane or the tragic into the miraculous..."From ashes...to glory"
2 CORINTHIANS 9:8
It is interesting, how her initial response is “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” She obviously has the means and ability to do this...what is also interesting is that most criminals who were crucified were tossed out and their bodies were eaten by wild dogs, etc. Nicodemus is known to have used his position and gained permission for Jesus to be buried in a tomb. I have no doubts that Mary was a central figure in getting that done.
Thinking through all the drama that surrounded this moment in time, makes it even more compelling to think of Mary's state of mind when she encounters the risen Jesus. Again though, that is the work of an amazing God. Also, it is incredible how subtle this meeting is, instead of angels and trumpets, it's Jesus simply calling Mary by her name. Also I am sure this is not how Mary saw all of this unfolding. No one really did, this was the farthest thing from their minds a few days prior yet God transformed perceived tragedy into glory.
Thinking of this in terms of my life and this day in time, this is the reality that I so often miss. Jesus is simply calling my name, through his word, through prayer, through the love of friends and family. God is in it all and never fails to care for me in the simplest and most powerful ways. Even in the mundane or the tragic, he is there calling and offering life. That life is the 24 hours of today and what I do with it. These precious 24 hours are what can turn the mundane or the tragic into the miraculous..."From ashes...to glory"
8And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
2 CORINTHIANS 9:8
No comments:
Post a Comment