Listen for His Voice

It was still dark as Mary made her way along the path to Jesus’ grave in the early morning hours. When she arrived, she saw that the stone was rolled away, and Jesus’ body was gone. Crushed by the weight of her caring she came crying, where is Jesus?  When the disciples went home dejected, Mary stayed.

And then someone spoke. “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

Mary begged the stranger through tears to tell her where the body was taken.

With just one word, he responded: “Mary.”

There was something unique about the way He said her name.  Mary didn’t recognize Him until her name was on His lips. “Rabboni,” she responded, running toward Him with her love poured out.  It was Jesus, and He was alive!

There are a few people we can recognize just by the way they say our name. For most it’s usually a spouse, child, mother, or father—someone you have a close personal relationship with, someone who loves you.

Mary had that kind of relationship with Jesus. She heard that familiar affection.  She knew His voice even when she didn’t recognize His resurrected body. His voice was so familiar, she could distinguish it from anyone else.

Isaiah 43:1 says,

“Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine.”

One of the unique characteristics of our faith is the personal relationship we have with Jesus.  He knows us personally and intimately and loves us unconditionally.

Maybe you are asking the same question as Mary did on a day in-between. In-between “It is finished” and “I have seen the Lord!” Where are you, Jesus?  When uncertainty tries pushing fear ahead of faith, listen for His voice.  Determine to know His voice as well as Mary did.

PRAYER:  Lord, it’s my desire to recognize the love in Your voice for me anytime, anywhere.  When I am afraid and uncertain about the future, thank you for coming to me just like You did for Mary on the morning of Your resurrection.  She and I have something in common.  Our lives testify, “I have seen the Lord!”  You called my name.  You are alive and nothing will silence my testimony!