Singular Focus

After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men (Matthew 28:1-4)

We can certainly learn a lot from Mary Magdalene and the other Mary on how to obtain sweet fellowship with the Lord Jesus. They had known firsthand the thrill of His presence and were ever seeking to express their love to Christ. Surely, when we love someone we desire to be with them.

We discover that they sought the Savior early–just at dawn. I know, I know, we can have our quiet times any time of day, but there is something special about meeting with the Lord Jesus first thing. It’s a matter of priority. The heart that is fitted for communion with the Master is a hungering heart–one that thirsts after the Living Water.

We also discover these ladies seeking Jesus with great boldness. His disciples had fled the crucifixion trembling, but Mary Magdalene, we are told, stood at the tomb. She pressed on while others left. She wanted to be as close to the Savior as she could. She, of whom, Scripture states, had seven demons cast out by the Lord Jesus did not want to go back to hell in the land of the living; she had experienced freedom and she was not willing to return to bondage.

Mary Magdalene had been brought out of that slimy pit of mud and mire and had been delivered to a place where the air was clean and crisp, the enemy defeated and the view magnificent. It was a glorious freedom, the kind only Christ can bring. Therefore, she pressed on while others fled. Nothing should hold us back in desiring communion with Jesus.

The Prophet Isaiah tells us:

So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)

Mary Magdalene sought Jesus faithfully. Some find it difficult to stand by a living Savior yet we discover her standing by a “dead” one. We must seek after Christ, remaining faithful though all others forsake and fail Him.

Mary sought Jesus earnestly and she sought Him only. Her passionate search was for the Lord alone. No divided heart or interests here. Her heart had cast out all rivals. She appeared not to even be moved by the angelic visit rather turned her back from them and seeking only the Lord.

“Who else has the answer to the frailty of life, the reality of death and the certainty of judgment than Jesus, who by His death destroyed him who holds the power of death and frees those whose lives are enslaved by the fear of death?” (Alistair Begg)

Take It to Heart

“We sometimes seem to forget that what God takes He takes in fire; and that the only way to the resurrection life and the ascension mount is the way of the garden, the cross, and the grave. Think not, O soul of man, that Abraham’s was a unique and solitary experience. It is simply a specimen and pattern of God’s dealings with all souls who are prepared to obey Him at whatever cost. After thou hast patiently endured, thou shalt receive the promise. The moment of supreme sacrifice shall be the moment of supreme and rapturous blessing. God’s river, which is full of water, shall burst its banks, and pour upon thee a tide of wealth and grace. There is nothing, indeed, which God will not do for a man who dares to step out upon what seems to be the mist; though as he puts down his foot he finds a rock beneath him.” (F. B. Meyer)

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