“Mary”, He said.
And in those two syllables, her entire world was changed. What was it about that time? Just a simple name.
I wonder – how many other times had she heard her name spoken?
And I wonder – how many other ways had it been spoken?
In scorn?
In lust?
Maybe anger… or even pity.
Maybe with a curling of the lip, or the rolling of an eye.
“Mary”
“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.” She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”). John 20:15-16
There’s something about the voice of our Maker. It opens our eyes to who we really are. It soaks deep into our bones and changes everything about us.
He who created our DNA, when He speaks our name, awakens that very DNA.
Hearing Jesus’ voice speak her name, Mary suddenly knew the risen Jesus was standing before her! But in that moment, I wonder if Mary also knew who she was for the first time!
One of the meanings of the name “Mary” is “Sea of Bitterness”. There by the tomb, I can imagine Mary lost in her own sea of bitterness. And yet in one word, Jesus turned her weeping into dancing (Psalm 30:11). Her name took on a whole new meaning.
Is your heart weeping today?
Or maybe it’s too numb to weep? Too cold to feel? Too scared to trust? Maybe you have much in common with Mary. Then come, share one more moment with Mary.
He’s saying your name. Right now – do you hear it?
Is it finally time? Time to stop running? Time to let the cacophony that surrounds you fade away… until you hear it.
It’s that gentle whisper – deep in your soul. “See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands;” Isaiah 49:15
And Mary simply said, “Rabboni!” – she uttered the first name for Him that came to mind. Teacher. Her Master – and Lord.
This is where I am today – hanging out with Mary a bit. Will you join us?
Our God is a consuming fire 