Pastor's Column 3/31/2024 - Resurrection Sunday

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“Early on Sunay morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. She ran and found Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one whom Jesus loved. She said, “They have taken the Lord’s body out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!” …She turned to leave and saw someone standing there. It was Jesus, but she didn’t recognize Him. “Dear woman, why are you crying?” Jesus asked her, “Who are you looking for?” She thought He was the gardener. “Sir, she said, “If you have taken Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will go and get Him.” “Mary!” Jesus said. She turned to Him and cried out, “Rabboni!” (Which is Hebrew for Teacher”) … Mary Magdalene found the disciples and told them, “I have seen the Lord.” Then she gave them this message.”   John 20:1-2; 14-16; 18, NLT

“He Is Risen!”

When we think of the Scripture accounts of the Resurrection of Jesus, we don’t like to single out persons for special recognition. After all, this redemptive; and eternal event, is the basis for our faith; and it is the work of our God, who “raised Him [Jesus] up from the dead.” It was the Apostle Paul who said, “If Christ has not been raised, then your faith is useless, and you are guilty of your sins. But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.” (I Corinthians 15:16;20, NLT). The Resurrection of Jesus was a divine act, and not a dramatic presentation. No academy awards could be garnered by the souls, some doubtful, who participated in God’s great work. Perhaps, we could thank Mary Magdalene, who along with other women, persisted in remaining close to Jesus during and in the aftermath of His suffering on the Cross. Mary speaks to many of us, who daily seek the presence of Christ in and near to our lives. Neither stone nor soldiers, could stop Mary from being close to her Savior. The open tomb; the empty unfolded burial shroud; and the angels, alarmed Mary; but these were preludes to seeing the risen Lord and hearing His voice. Mary knew it was Jesus, when he called her name. Listen, for He calls your name!