Daily Scripture Reading: John 20:11-16 KJV
John 20:11-16 KJV
(11) But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
(12) And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
(13) And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
(14) And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
(15) Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
(16) Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
Today’s Devotional Is RABBONI MY MASTER
AFTER THE DISCIPLES had returned home, Mary stood by the door to the sepulchre weeping. She then looked at the spot where He was laid. We still look down at the grave of ordinances, past emotions, and sacred memories, searching for the Redeemer. She longed for His Voice alone, and the angel-guards tried to comfort her.
She felt a Presence behind her, or maybe, as St. Chrysostom suggests, because she was expressing love and awe over angels’ faces. When she turned around, she saw One standing there, whom she thought to be the gardener. She recognized that He was her Lord when he called her by her familiar name with the same intonation. She was thrilled to know that He was there, to whom she owed everything, and she replied in the country language they both knew, “Rabboni!”
This suggests that we will hear the voices we were familiar with again in the new life beyond. “As we have carried the image of earthly, we will also bear the image heavenly and have fellowship with those we have lost for a while.”
“Rabboni,” means “my Master”. The Risen Lord must be regarded not only as our Savior, but also as our Master. Too many people only look to Him for salvation or deliverance from sin. But we will never fully appreciate the fullness of either until our knees are placed upon Him and we become His Master and Lord.
It must be a personal act, “My Master.” It does not suffice that He is Lord of all, or of His Church. He must be yours. He will give you all. Live as if there were no other than Him and you in this life. He is always appealing to us: “Son!” Daughter! Give me your heart, my love.”
We obey His commands when He is Master. It is futile to call Him Lord, Lord, and not do what He commands. Ours must be the alert ear and the swift foot. “Go, tell!” So He speaks still.
PRAYER for Today
As we do household chores or day-to-day business, let us open our eyes and see Christ’s Face. We need to listen for Thy voice and continue doing good as long as Thou givest us the opportunity. AMEN.