By Name

Mary Magdalene loved her Master. On that "last" day she could be found standing at the foot of the cross. Love is fearless. On that "first" day she could be found hurrying to His tomb at first light. Why? She had a history with Jesus--seven demons had been cast out of her by the Lord. She knew His power, His love, His deliverance, experientially. So when they found the tomb empty, all returned home except Mary. She could not tear herself away and wept uncontrollably in the garden believing that His body had been taken so that she could not show her love to this One whom she mourned. She did not expect a resurrection; she came to bestow an act of love she was sure could never be repaid or returned. She loved unconditionally and completely--selflessly.
How did her Lord comfort His grief-torn child? What great act did He perform to show her that He loved her and cared for her? He simply called her by name. "Mary." She was not a great theologian or well-versed in doctrine, but she knew His voice. That was enough. In that moment the fact of the resurrection needed no further proof. Her reply was as simple and profound as His call. "Master." He was the Savior--her Savior--who knew her by name. And who called her by name in her dark hour of sorrow. And she recognized His voice.

"My sheep know my voice and I know them, and they follow Me."

In the stillness of your sorrow, are you listening? He is still the God of the living who speaks to His children. "Be still, and know that I am God." The eternal Creator-God knows your name. You are His "Mary."

"Master."