Devotion 3.29.16

It is said that in a crowded room with noise, if someone says your name in a normal tone, you will probably hear it.  I've experienced that phenomenon personally, sometimes when the name was mine, and sometimes when it was someone else with the same first name.  A crowded conference exhibit hall with a booth for the architectural firm, hundreds of vendors and educators mingling, and I hear, "David...."  I turn and realize they are talking to another David.  So, our name gets our attention.

So, in the silence near the tomb, Mary Magdalene is standing at the empty tomb crying.  Christ comes to her, his first appearance, and asks "Woman, why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?" (John 20:15).  Mary answers him as a man, not the risen Christ, "If you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him." (v 15)  Then Christ simply says, "Mary." (v 16) and immediately Mary realizes it's Christ, turning and saying, "Rabboni!" (Teacher - v 16). 

Mary Magdalene is the first to see our risen Lord, and he reveals himself to her by using her name.  Christ uses her name, as he uses ours.  Christ assured the 12 going into the mission field and reassures us when he says, "The very hairs on your head are all numbered, so do not be afraid;  you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matthew 10:30)  How do we respond when Christ calls us by name?  Pray that we, like Mary, respond to the call and acknowledge him.

Hope Men's Ministry