It took courage to do what she did early that morning. Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and looked in. In her overwhelming grief, it took courage to force herself to seek answers. In utter astonishment, she discovered for herself that the grave was empty.
This is one of my favorite stories in all of scripture. Read it for yourself in John 20:1-18. The part I love the most is when the man Mary thought was only the gardener was in reality, her Savior. She knew the second He said her name. “Mary.” The story that started in grief, continued with courage, ended with encouragement to the other followers of Jesus. “I have seen the Lord!)
We find so many stories of courage in scripture:
Moses — He had reluctant courage to face Pharoah and lead the people out toward the promised land.
David — He had faithful courage to face Goliath with a slingshot.
Peter — He had bold courage to get out of the boat and attempt to walk on the water toward Jesus.
Jesus — The ultimate call to courage to live a perfect, holy life. To die a horrific death on the cross for all of us. And because of His obedience, He gave new life to us all.
What do you do that requires courage? Recently, I heard the testimony of a local firefighter. Indeed it takes courage to charge into burning buildings. But he also told stories of helping the homeless— individuals he knew by name. It takes courage to stop and see someone in need and call them by name.
It takes courage to believe in something, Someone, you cannot see. But you know Him and see Him through eyes of faith. Isn’t that what Easter is all about? To believe that He has risen and calls you by name to follow Him.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished. 1 Chronicles 28:20
Good Question(s) of the Week: Why does it take courage to have faith? What is the most courageous thing you’ve ever done?
From Unseen People, I Know His Voice. He knows my name. p. 26
Jesus said to her, Mary.” She turned and said to him in Aramaic, Rabboni! (which means Teacher) John 20:16.
Can you even imagine? Mary was distraught. She did not know where they had taken Him. Then, a man she thought was the gardener simply said one word—the only word she needed to hear to bring her back into a safe place. He said her name. Jesus said to her, “Mary.” And she knew. She was flooded with peace. She did not know what was happening, but she knew Him. He knew her name. That was enough.
You can know that in your crazy, chaotic world, He is there with you. He knows your name. He knows precisely where you are. You know His voice. Listen for it. That is enough.
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GOOD WORDS I RECOMMEND
Photo: She Is Safe
A Good Song: Courage, Kevin Winebarger. “You are filling me with faith. You are my courage.”
Another Good Song: Take Courage, Kristene DiMarco “Take courage my heart. Be steadfast my soul. He’s in the waiting. Hold on to your hope as your trials unfold. He’s never failing.”
I love Spring. And I love Easter. I hope for you the courage this week to live out your faith that points others to the cross. That’s my prayer for all of us this week.
