Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

July 15– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“[Jesus] appeared first to Mary Magdalene.” 

—Mark 16:9

Jesus “appeared first to Mary Magdalene” probably not only on account of her great love and persevering seeking but also because, as the context suggests, she had been a special trophy of Christ’s saving power. He delivered her from her previous life of sin. We should learn from this: that the greatness of our sin before conversion in no way keeps us from being specially favored with the highest grade of fellowship with Christ. She was one who had left all to become a constant attendant to the Savior. Jesus was her chief object in life.

Many who were on Christ’s side did not take up the cross; she did. She spent her substance in caring for his needs. If we would see much of Christ, let us serve him. Show me those who sit most often under the banner of his love and drink most deeply from the cup of communion, and I will show you those who give most, who serve best, and who abide closest to the bleeding heart of their dear Lord.

But notice how Christ revealed himself to this sorrowing one at the tomb; he came to her with a word: “Mary.” She only needed to hear one word in his voice, and at once she knew him. And her heart revealed her allegiance to him by a single word, “Rabboni” (which means, “master” or “teacher”). That one word is fitting for the occasion; it implies submission and obedience. To confess Jesus as one’s Master is never cold and distant but tender and personal. When your spirit glows most with heavenly fire, you will say, “I am Your servant; You have loosed my bonds.”

If you can say “Master”–  if you feel that his will is your will–, then you stand in a happy, holy place. Christ honors those who honor him. With a single word, he turns our weeping into rejoicing. Let Christ call your name this evening, and, when he does, respond tenderly “Master!” [M&E]