by Dr. Mark Brewer :: “Woman, why are you weeping? Who is it you are looking for?” (John 20)
What were the first words we have from Christ after His resurrection? Just like the church focuses on the precious seven “last words” (they are actually seven statements) of Christ from the cross during Lent and Holy Week, so too, the church listens to the words of Jesus after He is Risen during the season of “Eastertide.” As Mary was crying outside the garden tomb, she turned and saw the Risen Christ standing there. She thought he was the Gardener. So Jesus, I believe with a smile asked, “Why are you sad? The one you are seeking is standing right here in front of you!” It is so easy to miss the very One we are longer for and desperately seeking. The very real tears and sorrows of life blur our vision to see the Lord’s Presence in our life. The more I look back at my life, and remember the bitter tears of tough times, the more I can now see the Lord’s gentle hand and Presence taking me through the tough chapter. I really want to not go seeking after the fame, pleasure, and false security of the world’s wealth. I want like the first astonished Easter people to seek and find Christ in this crazy city we call home.
