What's In A Name?

“Mary!”

She thought He was the gardener and began pleading for information as to where Jesus' body had been moved so she could take it away, anoint it, and ensure it was given a proper burial. Pleading. Desperate. Anxious. Tired. Groping in the pre-dawn darkness until He spoke to her. “Mary!” She turned and recognized Him (John 20:16).

One word commanded Mary's attention. Four letters placed one after the other and voiced by Jesus brought instant recognition. As a matter of fact, so profound was her recognition of Him that I find humor in His next words: “Stop clinging to Me” (John 20:17).

 “Peter!”

 “Cleopas!”

Christ singled them out. He revealed the Scripture to them, walked with them, talked with them—no doubt calling them by name—stayed with them, ate with them, and shared His life with them. It was all they needed.

 “Saul! Saul!”

 “Pres!”

In Christ's resurrection I hear Him calling my name. In His resurrection I find provision for all my needs. Because of His resurrection I walk in His light, and in Him there is no darkness, no shadow, and no sundown. Inspired by His resurrection, I put on the armor of light (Rm. 13:12) and trust Him to extinguish the darkness around me and make even the darkness light (Ps. 139:12).

In Christ's resurrection I hear Him calling my name. In His resurrection I find provision for all my needs. Because of His resurrection I walk in His light, and in Him there is no darkness, no shadow, and no sundown. Inspired by His resurrection, I put on the armor of light (Rm. 13:12) and trust Him to extinguish the darkness around me and make even the darkness light (Ps. 139:12).