The First Glimpse of Glory

The First Glimpse of Glory…

He appeared first to Mary Magdalene. — Mark 16:9

Imagine the scene: The tomb is empty. The disciples are reeling in confusion and fear. Hope, for many, seems to have died with Jesus on the cross. Yet, amidst this profound sorrow and uncertainty, one person is granted the incredible privilege of being the first eyewitness to the resurrected Christ: Mary Magdalene.

Why Mary? She wasn’t one of the Twelve apostles. She wasn’t a prominent leader in the early church. She was, however, a woman who had been profoundly touched by Jesus’s grace, liberated from seven demons (Luke 8:2). Her devotion was fierce, her love unyielding, even in the face of death. She lingered at the tomb when others had left, her heart aching for her Lord.

This verse speaks volumes about God’s heart. He doesn’t always choose the most obvious, the most powerful, or the most influential to reveal His greatest truths. Often, He chooses the humble, the heartbroken, the overlooked – those who are earnestly seeking Him with a pure and passionate devotion. Mary’s unwavering love and persistent grief positioned her to receive the most life-altering news in history.

Her encounter with the risen Christ was not just a historical event; it was a personal revelation that transformed her sorrow into uncontainable joy and her despair into fervent testimony. She ran to tell the disciples, becoming the first evangelist of the resurrection.

What does this mean for us today? It means that our past doesn’t disqualify us from experiencing God’s presence. It means that our tears can be turned into triumph. It means that even in our deepest grief or most profound confusion, if we genuinely seek Him, we can encounter the living Christ. God sees our devotion, our longing, and He delights in revealing Himself to those who are truly hungry for Him.

Are you seeking Him today? Are you lingering in His presence, even when things seem dark and hopeless? Just like Mary, you might be on the verge of your own glorious revelation.

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your profound love and for the glorious truth of the resurrection. Thank You that You appeared first to Mary Magdalene, showing us that Your grace extends to all who seek You with a sincere heart. Forgive us when we doubt, when we lose hope, or when we fail to recognize Your presence in our lives. Open our eyes, Lord, to see You, even in unexpected places. Fill us with the same passion and devotion that Mary had, so that we may boldly proclaim the good news of Your resurrected Son. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in human history. It is the solid ground of our faith, the ultimate proof of God’s power, and the living hope for all who believe.

Walk daily with God at your side!

Love always,

Ed 🙏🏼