Revue: Then Came Sunday

by Lynn, posted in Grace Saves, New Testament Studies

VillaonHillsidebyLynnAbbott-1668456057

© 2019 Lynn Abbott

Because it’s worth repeating/re-posting…

Grief can be a dark place.  Or as David so aptly described it in the immortal Psalm, we walk through “the valley of the shadow of death,” (Psalm 23:4).

I think its capable of such devastation because, after all, we are not wired for grief.  Indeed, God’s perfect plan for humanity never included death.

However, the first couple’s blatant disobedience in Eden’s garden changed all that; both sin and death entered the world.  And grief clutched humanity’s heels.

Indeed, the valley of shadow sometimes feels like a steep ravine.

Darkness closes in, and you and I feel lost… and even alone.

I imagine the disciples felt very alone immediately after the cross.

Peter and John had been eye witnesses to the demands of the angry mob: “Crucify Him!”  The courtyard rang with the mob’s chant.

At times, the valley of shadow  feels like a steep ravine.

The love expressed by the crowd on Palm Sunday swiftly slipped away.

In its place, hatred loomed.

VillaonHillsidebyLynnAbbott-1668456057It’s no wonder Peter feared for his life.  There was no telling where the mob’s madness would end.

And although Peter and John could not boast in a university education or in a thorough understanding of social science, they had enough sense to know that they were next on the hit list.

Fear certainly compounded their grief. And there was plenty of grief to go around.  Their beloved Rabbi had been crucified.

All their hopes, dreams and convictions rattled to the core. Jesus–of whom Peter had said, “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God,” (Matthew 16:16)–had been executed by the most brutal means of the day.

And Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus had buried Jesus.

What was it that Jesus had said in His final moments?

It is finished…

In that dark hour, some may have said, “Yeah, Jesus got that right.  It is done.  The messianic dream is over.”

Some fled Jerusalem (Mark 14:27; Zechariah 13:7).

Those, remaining in Jerusalem, hid.

Yet, on Sunday morning, Mary Magdalene dared a visit to the tomb.  John writes that it was “still dark.”

The love expressed by the crowd on Palm Sunday had swiftly slipped away.

Actually, it’s not surprising that she returned to the tomb while it was yet dark.  After all, being associated with Jesus had become extremely dangerous.

But visiting the tomb was a risk that Mary had to take.  Her grief demanded it.

She may have worried on the walk about how she would approach the tomb.  After all, a guard had been set and the governor’s seal given.

Nearing the tomb, she likely caught her breath.  Not only were the soldiers gone but the stone had been removed.

VillaonHillsidebyLynnAbbott-1668456057In her shock, she forgot the purpose of her journey.  She immediately ran to find Peter and John.

“They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him,” she cried, (John 20:2).

And Peter and John immediately ran to the tomb.

Discovering the empty tomb, they believed Mary’s report, (John 20:8).  Yet, Scripture notes they did not yet understand the Resurrection, (John 20: 9).

So they went home; initially, no more enlightened than they had been before Mary’s announcement.  The change in events probably perplexed them.

Fear certainly compounded their grief.

Mary had evidently followed Peter and John to the sepulcher.  Perhaps, she was anxious to see her report confirmed.

I’m sure that heartbroken Mary tried to defend her claims.

It was all more than most could bear…

Her beloved Messiah had died on a cross; her closest friends had dismissed her.

Pushing back tears, she stood watching Peter and John enter the tomb.  At least her report was vindicated.VillaonHillsidebyLynnAbbott-1668456057

Nevertheless, I’m sure hurt and grief overwhelmed her.  Lost and alone even among friends.

Empty, like the tomb.  Darkness threatened her emotional landscape.

When Peter and John left, Mary remained.    Tears flowed.  The water dam broke.

Yet, in that moment, Grace dawned softly, (John 20:11).

It did not condemn.  It did not condescend. It did not lecture.

Two angels sat in the tomb… noting her distress, they asked, “Why are you weeping?”

Mary spilled her heart,”Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him,” (John 20:13).

Yet, in that moment, Grace dawned softly, (John 20:11).

She turned, perhaps to leave.  And there standing quietly was someone she presumed to be the gardener.

Again, a gentle, quiet, tender and compassionate voice met her in her dark hour.

“Woman, why are you weeping?  Whom are you seeking?” He asked, (John 20:15).

Mary pleaded, “Sir if you have carried Him away, tell me where you have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”

In that moment, Grace flooded Mary’s horizon… light overcame the darkness.

One soft word… a gentle, verbal nudge–“Mary!”

And Mary cried, “Rabboni!”  Teacher. 

She had nearly missed her Savior.  In deep grief, she had not immediately recognized Him.

VillaonHillsidebyLynnAbbott-1668456057Even so, He was there, ready to give comfort and hope to His heartbroken child.

He slipped in softly.  He walked with Mary in her garden of grief.  And gradually, grace illuminated her path.

The Light of the World rose.  Sin and Death had been defeated.

And Mary found hope.

Without a doubt, Christ’s resurrection changed everything.  Not only did Christ live, but His sacrifice enabled our resurrection hope.  His scars ushered in Grace beyond all this world had ever known, (Isaiah 53:6).

The Light of the World rose.  Sin and Death had been defeated.

“But He was pierced through for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him. By His scourging we are healed,” the prophet wrote, (Isaiah 53:5).

His scars… proof of the battle our Savior has won.

On Thursday, the crowds had clamored for His crucifixion.  On Friday, still others shouted abuse and mocked Him.

Thunder roared and the earth quaked, announcing the completion of God’s sacrifice for sin.

But as Sunday morning dawned, Jesus announced His Resurrection quietly…to a VillaonHillsidebyLynnAbbott-1668456057heartbroken Mary.  Her Savior softly called her name…

Grace.  Gentle grace.

When you and I feel we cannot go on, when pain threatens to shatter our hearts, when the world seems a dark tunnel or an impenetrable ravine, our Sovereign-Shepherd calls tenderly:  I am here.

The empty tomb brings comfort like no other.

In the darkness, grace nudges … “My child,” He quietly calls.

And as we cry, “Rabboni!”– we see light filling the horizon.

Indeed, Great Grace calls us out of our great grief.  And even though we yet temporarily traverse “the valley of the shadow,” we do not walk alone.

Our resurrected Savior assures us, “… I am with you always…” (Matthew 28:19).

“The righteous cry and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles.  The LORD is near to the brokenhearted, And saves those who are crushed in spirit,” ~Psalm 34:17-18

82 thoughts on “Revue: Then Came Sunday”

  1. Your post brought tears to my eyes Lynn, beautiful, just beautiful. Have a blessed Easter Lynn and thank you once again for the gift that you are to us all. Christ is risen!

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    1. Oh, thank you, thank you, Bruce! Your encouragement means the world to me! I am moved every time I read this account of Mary in the garden. I’m so glad that I could communicate some of what I feel when I read that beautiful Biblical account. Thank you for being such a extraordinarily wonderful friend and brother in the Lord! God bless you and yours beyond all that you can imagine!

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      2. I’ve been busy working/painting and traveling for my art business. And as a result of intermittent internet, it has been difficult to access blogs and WordPress. I’m hoping to get caught up now that I’m home! Thank you so much for asking! All the best to you, my friend!

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    1. So very true, dear Denise. Grief is a horrendous journey. You are an truly strong and inspiring lady! I’m so thankful to have met you here. Thank you so much for your extremely kind and thoughtful words here! ❤ and huge hugs!

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    1. Thank you with all my heart, Ryan! Praying for you as you and your family walk through grief! Your friendship is truly a blessing and I’m asking God to especially bless you during this time.

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    1. Thank you, dearest, Vicki! I love your reference to my blog name in your incredibly kind and thoughtful words here! You are truly a wonderful friend and I’m so grateful to the blogging world for introducing us so many years ago, now. Easter blessings to you and yours as well! Love you, Vicki! ❤ ❤

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  11. Beautiful painting and words , what great joy and comfort to know that Jesus rose from the dead and because of that we will also rise❤️

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    1. Thank you so much, dear Miriam. Yes, God is good. I am doing very well although I am busier than ever. I do hope the summer months will provide a little bit of “breathing room” in my life 😉 Congratulations on all your success with your book! So thrilled for you! ❤

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      1. Good to hear that you’re doing well. Lynn. I know you have commitments that keep you busy. In a sense, it’s good. Your paintings are so inspirational and are blessings to many. ❤ ❤

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      2. Thank you with all my heart, dear Miriam! I am finally home for a little while, and hope to catch up with you and all my friends here! Have missed you! Hope you are doing well. ❤ and hugs!

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    1. Aww…I’m so glad that this touched your heart as well, Warren! When I think of how Christ’s followers must have felt, my heart breaks with them. Thank you again for your extremely kind encouragement! You are truly a wonderful friend and a much valued brother in Christ! I thank Abba for you every time I read your posts or think of you! God bless you big time!! 🙂

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      2. Thank you so much, Ron! May God bless you beyond all that you can imagine! Sorry for being so tardy in my response. We have been traveling overseas and internet was spotty. Hope to get caught up with my reading now that I’m home! 🙂

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      3. Thank you Lynn. I understood you were away and I’m glad you are back safe. I trust you had a wonderful time. It will take a little while to regroup I’m sure. 🙂

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      4. Oh, so very true! I’ve been a bit overwhelmed by my “outside of blogging” work…but I’m so very glad to be able to easily read your posts, again! 😀 God bless you, Ron!

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      5. Blessings Lynn. I know what you mean. I’m so glad you can find some time though to read and comment. I really appreciate it. 😊❤️

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  17. Amen-Amein ❤ ❤ GOD BLESS YOU!! ❤ ❤

    ❤ ❤ Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua LOVES You ALL ❤ ❤

    Thanks so much Sweet Sister in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Lunn!! GOD BLESS YOU Sister in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua Lynn and Your Family and Friends!! ❤

    Praise Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua – Hallelujah and Maranatha!! PRAISE CHRIST-MESSIAH JESUS-YESHUA HE is RISEN and ALIVE Hallelujah and Maranatha!!

    GOD BLESS ALL my Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus-Yeshua and my Messianic Jewish Sisters and Brothers in Christ-Messiah Jesus-Yeshua and my Devout Jewish Sisters and Brothers and Your Families and Friends!!

    I am Pro-Israel-Yisrael / Pro-Christian and Jewish People who STAND with the Holy Land of Israel-Yisrael and our Judeo-Christian Nation United States of America / Pro-Zionism / PRO-LIFE!!

    Please Pray for Israel-Yisrael / Christian Nation United States of America, and our Christian Earth Everyday “Pray Without Ceasing.” ( 1 Thessalonians 5:17 KJV )!!

    ( Psalms 33:12 KJV ) “Blessed is the Nation whose GOD is the LORD; and the People whom HE hath Chosen for HIS Own Inheritance.”!!

    Our ONE True GOD’S LOVE 💕💜 is ETERNAL THROUGH HIS SON Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua for Today and Everyday Forevermore!!

    I Love you all Everyone through Christ-MESSIAH Jesus-Yeshua, because HE LOVED 💜💕 EVERYONE FIRST!!

    Love 💕 Always and Shalom ( Peace ), YSIC \o/

    Kristi Ann

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  18. Dear Lynn, I am sure that other people told you this: That you are a special person, a unique woman of God. Your paintings and write ups are so sensitive to the Holy Spirit…It is wonderful… You sing with your brush and you paint with your words. Amazing! I want to thank God for your life! God bless you Sister in Christ!

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    1. Oh, Silvia… you are so extremely kind and encouraging! God has truly given you the gift of encouragement and exhortation! And it is evident to all that know you how very faithful you are in building up the body of Christ! Thank you so much for your encouragement here! It means the world to me, and I’m so grateful for your friendship! You are a treasure. ❤ ❤

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      1. Dear Lynn, I am so happy that we do not know each other in the natural. It is easier to believe that the words we speak come from the Holy Spirit alone. What a blessing that we do not live in the same town. But one in Christ! Glory!

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  19. I can’t imagine how the disciples felt on that Saturday. And I always think of them on that “in-between” day. We often find ourselves in a state of “in-between” too. It is learning to be “content” in whatever circumstance we find ourselves in yes?

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  20. “She had nearly missed her Savior. In deep grief, she had not immediately recognized Him.” So true, right?

    “Even so, He was there, ready to give comfort and hope to His heartbroken child.

    He slipped in softly. He walked with Mary in her garden of grief. And gradually, grace illuminated her path.

    The Light of the World rose.”

    I just love this, Lynn. Thank you. And I love you, Deb

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    1. Thank you, dearest Deb! Please forgive me for being MIA in recent months! We have been traveling and it was difficult to access your blog with my phone…and my internet has also been hit and miss. Sigh…It’s so good to be home. Looking forward to catching up with you! I love you! ❤

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    1. Thank you so much, Maxine! Sorry for having been MIA…we’ve been traveling and I had trouble getting reliable internet. I’ve missed you and your amazing blog! Looking forward to getting caught up! It’s so nice to be home. 😀 ❤ and hugs!

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      2. Oh, yes, Maxine! It is so good to be home. Sigh…I’m still a bit overwhelmed by all my “outside of blogging” work… but grateful for you and your friendship! ❤ ❤

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      4. Yes… This has been an incredibly busy year as far as my art goes… just barely treading water. But I am trying to check in here whenever I have a moment to breathe! Thank you for your ongoing and beautiful gift of friendship! Love to you, dear Maxine! ❤

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  24. Just read this again, my friend, because it is SO good, very heartfelt and beautifully said…and I just needed it today…even made my eyes leak (doesn’t happen too often). In so many readings lately, the Lord has reminded me that I am not alone…Oh, how blessed we truly are to serve a Risen Savior. And I am deeply blessed to know you, my friend. Sending so much love to you today! ❣️😘❣️🥰❣️😍❣️

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    1. Dearest Dori–please forgive me for not having responded sooner. We have been traveling and my internet was extremely spotty! You are too good to me, and your encouragement and kind words mean the world to me. I’m so glad this post resonated with you as its Truth so touched me! What a kindred spirit you are! And I am so blessed to know you as well! Love you much! ❤ ❤

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    1. Thank you with all my heart, dear Elihu! Please forgive me for being so tardy in my response to your beautiful and much appreciated encouragement. I’ve been traveling overseas and my internet was rather spotty. I’m truly looking forward to getting caught up! I’ve missed you and your wonderful posts! ❤ ❤

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