Mourning Into Dancing

Scripture – John 20:15-18: “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?” Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.” Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’” Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) What was there in the way He spoke her name? An inflection, a tone, an intensity, a gentleness, a familiarity……….what? Whatever it was, in that one spoken word, Mary’s life changed. All at once, the old ways of thinking were transformed. The limits of the past no longer held her captive. There was more still to be sorted out. There were implications that would later be understood. But for this moment, her mourning was turned into dancing. Her head and heart must have been spinning was she carried now this wonderful message, “I have seen the Lord!”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will look for Jesus today. He is in the midst of life. He reveals Himself more than I ever realize. In Him I will live with hope no matter what this day brings.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the glorious surprise of Easter morning. Thank you for the sustaining hope of life eternal. Remind me often, today is part of eternity. There is no hopeless situation. In you I can always look ahead.