Easter People: A 4-Day Easter DevotionalSample

MARY | The Show Must Go On

Even before the resurrection, God was preparing the people He would use on that day. Those who would have a front-row seat to the greatest miracle ever done -- victory over death forever. The first person to see Jesus out of the tomb that day was a woman named Mary. Why Mary? If we're not careful, it could seem that it was just a lucky coincidence for her. “Man, lucky Mary, she got to see Jesus rise from the dead.” It could seem like she was just in the right place at the right time like it could have been any of the disciples, but she just got to be the one. But that is not the case. In fact, it was the result of a faithful life that led to this climactic victory. She found herself there not by chance or by luck, but because of preparation. Mary shows us that you don’t need to be a professional to be used by God, you just need to be present and prepared. So what can we learn from Mary in the ways she lived prepared? 

• She showed gratitude. If you’re grateful, like Mary, you’ll speak up - you’ll show up - you’ll stand up. That is gratitude in action. 
• She showed the way. As a leader and an influencer Mary led those around her to be followers of Jesus. Her faith was contagious. 
• She showed courage. Even though it was dangerous to be at the cross on the day of the crucifixion, Mary showed up there to be with her Savior. She was fearless. 
• She showed emotion. Mary wept at the tomb. Her power was found in her vulnerability. 
• She showed her true colors. On the worst day of her life, Mary showed that she was a disciple of Jesus. Mary refers to Jesus as MY Lord, not just the Lord. She knew in her heart who Jesus was to her. Who is He to you?

Mary was someone who invested in the story of redemption and the story of salvation, and she gave everything she had in order to see the story of Jesus continue to go on. It was a sacrifice for Mary to keep showing up, just as it will be for us, but as we embody these traits that Mary had, it expresses to the world that we are investors in the kingdom of God, desiring to see other lives be transformed by Christ.