When God Says …
“But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre, and seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.” (John 20:11-13 KJV).
Mary's woeful presence outside the Lord’s tomb weeping, being the first person to discover His missing body, gives historic significance to lift women’s importance in a society dominated by men. In this era, women were considered of low stature both intellectually and trustworthily. They’re relegated to insignificant tasks and are of no influence in society at large. This attests to the authenticity of the gospel, for revealing the truth of a woman in such a profound role, contrary to the anti-women culture of the time. Being the first at the tomb gave her the privilege as the woman remembered to discover, and break the news - the body of the Lord Jesus Christ was missing!
It is very comforting to note that when Mary stooped down to look in the sepulcher, the angels did not warn ‘fear not’ as they usually do. Rather they asked her with concern - ‘why are you weeping?’ One of the things you would admire about Mary Magdalene is her resolve to hang on to her Lord and Master in the middle of her confusion, loss, pain and sorrow. As far as she knows, her Teacher is dead, yet He is still her Lord. So often, we qualify our faith in His Lordship based on our outward circumstances. If things aren't going well, we question why He ignores us and our prayers. Sometimes, if we are honest, we question His being our God and Father. So, in such moment of doubt, let's remember Mary at this moment of confusion and horror. Let's follow her example and hang on tenaciously to our faith in Christ Jesus even when (and especially when) we don't understand what is happening!
The Scriptures profoundly remind us these. Through prophet Isaiah, we are enjoined to … “Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord, the Lord himself, is the Rock eternal.” (Isaiah 26:4 NIV). And the Psalmist called on us to — “Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us. Selah” (Psalm 62:8 ESV).
And I say, AMEN!
Daily reflections by:
F. A. Frias
PFC Ministries
When God says... I say, AMEN! is a provocative reflection of the Lord's holy Word. It intends to challenge every seeker of truth to dig deep into the core of the Word of Life to point every being to Christ Jesus - the author and finisher of our faith, and to draw revelations for change, for nourishment and for strength of every soul.
Partners For Christ Ministries, INC
P. O. Box 773716
Ocala, FL 34477
Touching lives in Cambodia, The Philippines, The Middle East, The USA, and... other countries.
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