Love's Embrace

Building One Another - Vol. 11, No. 8
Dear Friend, The Apostle John describes a deeply emotional and endearing conversation just after the disciples Peter and John have discovered the empty tomb of Jesus while Mary Magdalene stood outside weeping. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She replied, “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 in Hebrew, “Rabbouni!” (which means Teacher).  See John 20:15-16* John does not describe what happens next but we have a hint in the next words of Jesus, “Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father.” John 20:17 Certainly Mary flew to Jesus with a hug of wonderful joy and surely Jesus hugged her back. When you find yourself face to face with Jesus what will be your immediate response? I rather think none of us knows exactly how we would react although we may imagine ourselves falling at his feet in worship or in an act of contrition. I would hope my first reaction and yours would be the same as Mary’s, the reaction of suddenly seeing one you have loved and deeply wish to see. Know the embrace of the one who loves you more than life itself and by faith hug him back!
With joy- E. Stanley Ott Copyright 2012 E. Stanley Ott *Scripture from the NRSV
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