Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 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.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). John 20:14-16 NKJV
Mary looked for the Lord so earnestly, that not only did she find him – she recognized him!
Our God gives us such wonders to see, hear, taste, and enjoy. Our complete joy lies in seeing him in all these things and in every circumstance.
The apostle John wasted no time is seeing our Lord in a bountiful catch of fish- even after our Lord was risen.
Then Jesus said to them, “Children, have you any food?” They answered Him, “No.” And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.” So they cast, and now they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish. Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord! John 21:5-7 NKJV
Mary and John both had the ability to recognize the Lord.
Can we say we do?
Moses saw him too:
Then the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand there on the rock; and it will come about, while My glory is passing by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. Then I will take My hand away and you shall see My back, but My face shall not be seen. Exodus 33:21-23. NIV
When we seek HIM, it is written, we will find him. We will see him in all situations.
Jesus prayed this, shortly before his arrest on passion night in Gesthemane;
“I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them.” John 17:13 NIV
Looking for the Lord in all circumstances results in having his joy in our hearts at all times.
Let’s hold on to this joy, as we await his greatest desire. For Jesus prayed:
“Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.” John 17:24 NIV
Look for the Lord in all circumstances and remember he awaits our eventual place setting with Him!
Keep on loving each other as brothers!
Barnabas