January 17, 2021 -- John 20:11-12 -- Lift Up Your Eyes

But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.

John 20:11-12 English Standard Version

Though the tomb was empty and Jesus had risen just as He said He would, Mary wept. It is wailing and lamenting. Her thoughts are consumed with grief. She is not thinking clearly because her judgment is clouded with the weight of sadness. What kindness the Father in heaven showed to Mary. He used the angels to preach good news to her. These messengers were blessed preparation against the moment when she would meet Jesus there in the Garden. It is not too much of a stretch to ponder what it would have been light for her to meet Jesus—as she would just a few moments later—without having had this preparation. Lamentation might have obscured her vision even more. As it was, it took a few sentences of conversation with Jesus before her teary bleary eyes and sorrow-overflowing heart actually recognized Jesus.

Beloved of the Lord, I wonder, are His apparent absences evidences of the times you are too focused on your circumstances? You are angry—so angry you can’t see the nearness of God. You are upset, so sad your minds can’t comprehend that there is nowhere you can go that is away from the presence of the LORD Who fills all things with His fullness and blessing? You are worried—to the point that all else is obscured and God seems far off.

The tomb is empty. Angel attendants are near, doing the bidding of the High King of Heaven. Most importantly, Jesus is nearer than you realize. If you would just turn from your circumstances and fears, lift your head from your anger or worry, you would see Him there. The pages of Scripture are filled with His presence. Your own heart is the dwelling place of His Spirit Who speaks to your disquieted heart, whispering “Abba” Father. Look. Listen. Lean in.

God of Boundless kindness and love, help us to lift our eyes to Jesus. Thank You for the powerful presence of Your Spirit. Use this Sunday to direct us deeper and further into the love of Christ, by the power of the Spirit and all this to the glory and honour of Your great Name. Amen.

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