January 20, 2021 -- John 20:15 -- Whom are you seeking?
/Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.”
John 20:15 English Standard Version
Mary had seen angels who asked her why she was lamenting, crying, wailing. She had not comprehended His resurrection. Now, Jesus stood right in front of her and for her grief and wailing she could not recognize Him right there. It was her grief and bewilderment that blocked her view of Jesus. He has instructed His followers that the Messiah must suffer and rise. She had all the evidence she needed right in front of her and could not see Him for grief.
Believer what is blocking your view of Jesus? He is present in the beautiful pages of Scripture. He is present by His Spirit’s witness to your Spirit. He is near as a sigh or prayer. Are you allowing Covid and media fears which whip up further crippling fears to block your view of Jesus? Are you focused on financial uncertainties wondering what is next so that the splendor of Jesus is kept from you? Addictions. Cancer. Loneliness Anger. Resentment. Greed. Idolatry. These and so many other things can block your view of Jesus.
Perhaps your view of Jesus is clouded by your expectations. Mary saw a gardener, instead of her Savior. She wasn’t expecting Jesus. She wasn’t expecting Jesus to appear like that before her. Perhaps you have a view of God that is wrong. Perhaps you expect Him to alleviate your pain, when in fact, this pain is exactly what is needed so that sin is extracted and holiness can fill in. What false views of the LORD Almighty are you holding that need to be readjusted? Circumstances, the Word and the stirring of the Spirit will make such things known to you.
All things are passing away. Earth is wearing out like a garment. The only thing that will last is love for Jesus and the people He puts in Your life. You might note, this is basically the same message of two days ago. Indeed it is. The Gospel of John repeats this message—it is repeated because it is sinful nature to cast your gaze downwards, rather than up, to Jesus, Who stands right before you, speaking your name. Look to Jesus.
My Father,
thou hast given me a present, Jesus thy Son,
as Mediator between thyself and my soul,
as middle-man who in a pit
holds both him below and and him above,
for only he can span the chasm breached by sin,
and satisfy divine justice.
May I always lay hold upon this Mediator,
as a realized object of faith,
and alone worthy by his love to bridge the gulf.
Let me know that he is dear to me by his Word;
I am one with him by the Word on his part,
and by faith on mine.
So shall Christ the Word, and his Word,
be my strength and comfort.
From The Valley of Vision: Puritan Prayers and Devotions “Christ the Word”
https://youtu.be/6zTYTnyvk7k
