We have recently been through a Category 4 Cyclone and although I was not at all concerned during the 40 hours of practically non stop up to 260kph winds, I was surprised at how unsettled I felt after the event. We had water all the time, mobile phone reception and a good generator, so were able to feed people as well as store their food and give them warm showers; we were very well prepared and managed with the least amount of problems. Some people had no water, no power and no telephone reception for days.
However, reading the Easter Sunday morning story what I felt after the cyclone was nothing compared with what Mary Magdalene must have gone through. Having struggled through the events of Friday, then just waiting and waiting on Saturday, Sunday must have felt a bit of a relief to be able to at least visit the tomb. But what a shock - the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. Imagine the negative emotions now - shock, disbelief and confusion. She ran to tell the disciples and Peter and John provided some support in coming to check her story but still, everything was so up in the air when they left. Why did Mary look back in that empty tomb? for when she did, there were two angels. Now who sees angels, let alone have a conversation with them? More confusion, for even though the angels tell her that Jesus has risen, that doesn't necessarily explain to a now totally confused human being, what is really going on.
Poor Mary - what to believe? Maybe the gardener who just turned up could provide a more logical answer, but when the gardener says "Mary" in a most familiar voice, suddenly all the unanswered questions just dissolve. That goose bump moment when Mary hears her name - Jesus really is alive! I presume Mary wanted to give Jesus the most bear-like hug, but now Jesus says for her not to touch him. Suddenly she is on her own - standing there with a real live Jesus, but standing on her own.
I find this rather significant, as now Mary must tell the other disciples but without the physical presence of Jesus. He didn't say 'I'll come with you" - no, she had to do it by herself. No doubt the exhilaration of the moment kept her going, but it was later that Jesus gave his disciples that great commission " Go into all the world and preach the gospel.......and I am with you always."
No longer would Mary or any follower of Jesus be on their own for Jesus' promise is for all who follow him.
What a roller coaster ride for Mary that Easter and what a wonderful outcome for her and indeed for everyone.
However, reading the Easter Sunday morning story what I felt after the cyclone was nothing compared with what Mary Magdalene must have gone through. Having struggled through the events of Friday, then just waiting and waiting on Saturday, Sunday must have felt a bit of a relief to be able to at least visit the tomb. But what a shock - the stone was rolled away and the tomb was empty. Imagine the negative emotions now - shock, disbelief and confusion. She ran to tell the disciples and Peter and John provided some support in coming to check her story but still, everything was so up in the air when they left. Why did Mary look back in that empty tomb? for when she did, there were two angels. Now who sees angels, let alone have a conversation with them? More confusion, for even though the angels tell her that Jesus has risen, that doesn't necessarily explain to a now totally confused human being, what is really going on.
Poor Mary - what to believe? Maybe the gardener who just turned up could provide a more logical answer, but when the gardener says "Mary" in a most familiar voice, suddenly all the unanswered questions just dissolve. That goose bump moment when Mary hears her name - Jesus really is alive! I presume Mary wanted to give Jesus the most bear-like hug, but now Jesus says for her not to touch him. Suddenly she is on her own - standing there with a real live Jesus, but standing on her own.
I find this rather significant, as now Mary must tell the other disciples but without the physical presence of Jesus. He didn't say 'I'll come with you" - no, she had to do it by herself. No doubt the exhilaration of the moment kept her going, but it was later that Jesus gave his disciples that great commission " Go into all the world and preach the gospel.......and I am with you always."
No longer would Mary or any follower of Jesus be on their own for Jesus' promise is for all who follow him.
What a roller coaster ride for Mary that Easter and what a wonderful outcome for her and indeed for everyone.
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