Preparing Your Heart for EasterShembull

He Is Alive

I love that there are four different accounts of the Resurrection story. This story is obviously worth telling more than once! These Scriptures became extra precious to me while I was in college. While in a public speaking class, I had to write and share an essay in front of the class about who I would want to meet if I could go back in time and why. I didn’t have to think for too long. Of course, I thought of Jesus first but then ended up choosing Mary Magdalene because of the great honor she had in being the first person to see Christ after His Resurrection. I admire her immediate obedience to Christ’s command to go and tell others. The Lord chose her over Peter or even his beloved John! I resonate with the fact that He chose a broken woman to spread the Good News first. Maybe you can identify too.

Mary had seven demons called out of her by Jesus. I find it extremely powerful to ponder that she, like us, had sinned. All sin is like a crimson stain to God, yet the Lord forgave Mary Magdalene and set her free! He equally and readily forgives our sins when we ask Him. Like us, Mary had much for which to be forgiven; she devoted herself to the Lord in gratitude. She, like the other disciples, followed Him wholeheartedly. I believe it is because of this devotion that God knew she would be effective in running to tell others of Christ’s Resurrection.

We find her at the beginning of the passage weeping for the loss of her beloved Lord; she pleads with the man she thinks is the gardener when Jesus calls her by name. Then, finally, she recognizes Him and cries out, “Rabboni!” Mary saw with new eyes her Savior, her Lord, her “Rabboni!” What astonishing news: He came back just like He said he would! Death did not have power over Him! He was alive and indeed the Son of God, and He called her by name!

Sister, God loves us so much that He calls us each by name. He has saved us from our former way of living and calls us to follow Him. Jesus died for us before we had our “act together.” While we were hopeless, He reached down and saved us, not by any merit of our own, but by His great Love for us. I hope you can feel that Love extended to you right now! Is your heart swelling with adoration and awe like Mary’s? Do you feel compelled to share the Good News, too?

On that first day, the women saw angels guarding the tomb who told them NOT to be afraid. Then they saw Jesus, Who also told them not to be afraid. Can you imagine Mary’s state of bewilderment, standing there trembling and scared but also full of joy at the same time? The burst of emotion, the revelation, the hope of seeing her Savior again?! The joy these women experienced on that resurrection morning caused them to fall on their faces in worship, leaving all doubt and worry aside. These passionate women were the first commissioned to tell the Gospel story! They ran in celebration away from the tomb with the greatest news ever to tell! What a glorious task to fulfill and one that we are asked to continue! Wow!

Blessings and Love,

Rae-Ellen Sanders & the Help Club for Moms Team