The Joy of His Salvation
The theme for the celebration of the resurrection of the Lord is that our faithful, loving God gives us the joy of his salvation. The psalmist rejoices because of the mighty things God has done. The prophet Isaiah celebrates as he looks forward to when God will usher in the new heaven and earth, when there will no longer be any weeping or cries of distress, but only joy and gladness (Isaiah 52:13 – 53:12).
In his writings, the apostle Paul encourages his readers to look to the Risen Christ, faith’s reality and our living hope (see 1 Corinthians 15, Romans 3).
The apostle Paul encourages his readers to look to the Risen Christ, faith’s reality and our living hope.
At Sunrise, All is New (John 20:1–18)
Likewise, the apostle John records Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Lord … and being filled with joy, she ran to share the good news with the disciples. Allow me to highlight some details I have gleaned from this event:
- When Mary Magdalene left the tomb on Friday, it was shut up. On Saturday, it was sealed by the authorities. On the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early while it was still dark. She saw the stone had been rolled away from the tomb (verses 1 & 2). Maybe she couldn’t see clearly as the sun was beginning to rise. She didn’t understand what was going on. She went to Peter and the other disciple (John) and told them what she had seen. She said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him.”
- By the time the disciples reach the tomb, we can assume it was daylight … they were able to see inside. Peter is the first to actually enter the tomb, followed by the other disciple. Both saw the burial cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around Jesus’ head … it had been folded and placed in a place by itself. Both disciples saw and believed, but they are unable to connect what they saw with what the Scriptures said about Jesus—that He must rise again from the dead (verse 9). The disciples went away to their own homes.
- The rest of this Scripture passage (verses 11–18) tells us that Mary Magdalene lingered outside the tomb, weeping. When she stooped down and looked into the tomb, she saw two angels in white, and had a brief exchange with them. And as she turned around, she saw Jesus – she mistakenly thought He was the gardener … until Jesus called her name, “Mary!” In that instant, Mary responded “Rabboni!”
- Many times, as believers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we need our eyes, minds, and hearts to be enlightened, and allow Jesus to bring us to the realization He is our risen Lord, who has ascended to his Father, and now bears our humanness in face–to–face fellowship with his Father in the Spirit. Notice His word of inclusion in Romans 20:17, “… to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.”
Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for all believers as we join in God’s mission and ministry in this world.
Friends, as we gather on the first day of the week (not just Resurrection Sunday), let us know at sunrise, all is new. We have been given the mandate to tell everyone the good news of all that Jesus Christ has done, is doing, and will do as our risen Saviour, Lord and King. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, interceding for all believers as we join in God’s mission and ministry in this world – and as the Spirit is actively working to awaken all to faith in Christ. And Jesus will return for His radiant and spotless Bride – soon and very soon!
In closing, let me share two songs (written more than 15 years ago) that the Lord brought to my mind as I wrote this devotional.1 Trust you will be blessed!
1The two songs are ℗ Integrity Music: For You Are Glorious, David W. Morris; All the Earth Will Sing Your Praises, Paul Baloche.
Reflection Questions:
- Mary Magdalene didn’t recognize Jesus until He called her by name. In the “busyness” or “darkness” of your current circumstances, how can you practice listening for His specific voice calling to you?
- The disciples saw the empty tomb but did not yet fully connect it to the Scriptures. Is there a promise in God’s Word that you “see” but are struggling to fully believe or apply to your life right now?
- The author notes that “at sunrise, all is new.” Since we are called to join in God’s mission, who in your life needs to hear the “good news” of the new beginning Jesus offers?
Rev Jessamyn Tian has contributed much to improve the operational efficiency and enhance the business models of the churches she had been associated with during the past three decades. She has a heart for the elderly and would partner with like-minded friends to reach out to the infirmed and elderly who live on their own. She is exploring avenues where her skills sets can be leveraged to increase the capabilities of institutions that care for the elderly.
