Anglican Communion 22 July 2020 – He Meant All To Her

The Daily Fountain Daily Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 22 July 2020 – He Meant All To Her

Click HERE to Read Previous MESSAGES

TOPIC: He Meant All To Her

READ: John 20:11-18 (NKJV)

11. But Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down [and looked] into the tomb.
12. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
13. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
14. Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing [there,] and did not know that it was Jesus.
15. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”
16. Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher).
17. Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and [to] My God and your God.’ “
18. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] He had spoken these things to her.

THE MESSAGE:

Our passage today gives us a glimpse into the drama that played out on the resurrection morning. Mary had earlier gone to the tomb. Having found the tomb open, she went back and informed the other disciples of Jesus who also ran quickly to see for themselves. Having carefully looked things over, the other disciples left still perplexed, but Mary stayed back. Why did Mary Magdalene stay back instead of going back home with the others? There is a lot we can learn today from Mary, as we seek to draw closer to the Lord. Mary determined not to leave until she saw her Lord. Many times we seek the Lord but only superficially, half-heartedly. The other disciples came and surveyed the scene but Jesus did not reveal Himself to them. Mary sought with tears until she found Jesus.

The Lord is always available to those who seek him wholeheartedly (Deuteronomy 4:29). Circumstances of life may bring tears to our eyes, but when we seek the Lord earnestly, He is able and willing to wipe away our tears and restore our joy. The secret of Mary’s restoration of joy was her close relationship with the Lord. Many of us wish to experience the intervening power of the Lord in our lives but without nurturing an intimate relationship with Him. The extent to which the power of the Lord can work in our lives is determined by how much of Him we want as Lord. Mary had Him alone as Lord, do you?

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, may I seek You above all else.