When the Father Calls Your Name

Let me take you somewhere. Jesus has died, and three days later, you, a disciple of Jesus, head to the tomb early in the morning to mourn over the body of your lost Lord. When you arrive at the tomb, you see that his body is gone. You assume someone must have stolen his body and you began to weep because you will never be able to see the body of your Lord again. As your weeping, you turn around and see a man behind all of your tears whom you think is the gardener. He says "Why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" and you respond "Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away." The man responds with one word: Your name. Then it clicks. You realize this man who you thought was the gardener is actually your risen Lord. What made you realize this? Jesus saying your name. When your heavenly Father simply says your name, you will recognize his voice and cry out "Father!" 

After you realize this man is not a gardener but your risen Savior, you embrace him with arms squeezing and joy in your heart. But Jesus says "Do not cling to me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 

What would you do? Would you continue to embrace Jesus in fear that this might be the last time you see him? Would you began to weep because you feel as though Jesus didn't want you to simply be with him, but to be with others and proclaim him? Would you actually listen to Jesus and head out shouting to people you know that Jesus has risen? 

This is the story of Mary in John 20:11-18. This story paints an amazing picture of our walk with God. The first thing a Christian usually does as they come to Christ is weep, mourn, and wish they could see their savior. There is a sadness because we realize how rotten we are and how that caused a perfect man to be killed in the most gruesome of ways. After the Christian has mourned over the death of Jesus, they will hear God call to them much like Mary did. "Mary" Jesus said. It will most likely not be audible but you will understand and you will not know why you understand. Once you hear the Father say your name, you will be overwhelmed with joy and love for this man who died for you and you will want to cling to him for eternity. You will just want to be in his presence, no matter what that means. The Christian often says "if I must die to be with you than so be it, may it come swiftly." But don't forget Child of God that for a short while, we must proclaim his name to others. Jesus will say to us after we cling to him "Do not cling to me...but go to my brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.'" 

All Christians, though excited to fully embrace Christ in the heavenly kingdom must attempt to remain focused on the life at hand and how it should be lived for God. Christians must start worrying about others souls just as much as their own. Keep eternity in view, but realize where your at now.