Rabboni!

Three days later, after the brutal death of our Jesus, Mary Magdalene was found standing outside of His tomb and as she did, she wept.

Her grief was overwhelming.

Her sadness was unthinkable.

Her loss was intense.

And when she peered inside the tomb in search of her resting Savior, she perceived that His body had been stolen and she was deeply distressed because she couldn't imagine where they put Him.

Ahh... but then the voice.

The voice of the One who was missing, broke His silence. And in His gentleness and kindness, He asked her, "Dear woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?" (John 20:15a)

Thinking He might be the gardener, she replied, "Sir, if you have taken Him away, tell me where you have put Him, and I will go get Him." (verse 15b)

And in that moment... His calling her by name... changed everything.

"'Mary!' Jesus said." (verse 16a)

It was a personal call from the One who knew her as a friend.

And her response brings me to tears.

"'Rabboni!'" she cried out.

"Teacher!"

She recognized Him at once as the One with whom she knew intimacy. She recognized Him as the One who loved radically.

And it was in the calling her by name that awakened her very soul to His ever-abiding presence.

Today, friends, He's calling you by name.

He's not dead.

The grave would not keep Him.

He has come to rescue you from your loneliness, from your fear, from you isolation.

He is your redeemer.

And He is your friend.

And He knows you by name.

He's calling you today.

Are you listening for His voice?

Happy Easter, friends... He is alive!!!!!