I spent part of Easter afternoon rereading the accounts of Easter and Jesus’ resurrection.
One of my favorite stories is the encounter of Mary Magdalene with the risen Christ.
“‘Woman,’ he said, ‘why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’
Thinking he was the gardener, she said, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away,
tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.’
Jesus said to her, ‘Mary.’” (John 20:15-16a)
I think one of greatest fears is being unknown and just think God, who created the entire universe and Jesus, who came to earth to be close to us, to die for us – knows our name.
What intimacy! The sound of our names spoken from the lips of our Savior is the nearness that opens our eyes, dries our tears, and mends our devastated hearts. Jesus knows us so well, our names are carved in the palms of His hands. He draws us so close that we can hear the heartbeat of His love.
Ron Rolheiser has a powerful reflection of these Bible verses on You Tube, titled “What are you looking for?” Take a minute to listen to this message here
My every need disappears, my ego-driven wants evaporate, and my self-centeredness dissipates in the powerful moment of God says my name in love. He knows our names! Divine tenderness beyond our comprehension!
“Who is it you are looking for?”
13 comments:
I am so glad God knows my name and He always know where I am, for I am never lost in His sight. I just pray more people come to know who He is.
Wow, Jeanie. Love that video.
Thankful that I've heard Him today.
Wonderful post Jean... And it truly is wondrous that the Creator of the universe know us so intimately, and personally. :-)
Have a Blessed Day!
This has to be one of my favorite gospel stories. Maybe THE favorite. And I love that Jesus knows my name. That keeps me going through tough times. God bless and Happy Easter!
I just watched the video. Oh my. Tears are flowing down my face. Thank you! I hope you do not mind if I share this on my blog.
I haven't watched the video yet, Jean (but I will be back!), but I love your message about Jesus knowing every one of our names. When I really think about that, it takes me breath away!
So glad you all liked the video and post today. I am in awe we have such a loving God who tenderly holds us in His heart.
The video would not play for me, BUT what a great and encouraging insight from the Gospel! I need this, for I often feel insignificant -- sort of lost in the crowd. Thank you!
I had this thought while I was watching the video -- so often we are looking for things and we get so frustrated when we don't find them because they don't resemble the picture that we have in our mind. It takes Jesus calling out to us to get us to look away from what we think we've lost to what He wants to give us.
Jen I so much believe we all do have that God shaped hole in our hearts that only He can fill. I think when we hear Him call our name, our heart leaps with the recognition that this is where our home is!
So thankful He knows my name and it is written in His hand. Lovely post. :O)
It's been so long since I've visited your blog - I'm so sorry :( Hope you had a wonderful Easter celebration. God Bless!
Diane and Debbie, thanks for stopping by my blog and so glad we are reconnecting. Don't you just love it when not only God knows our name but we know each other as sisters in Christ!
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