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About this post: We want to stay connected! This blog post is part of a series of daily devotionals for this season. Read them, share them, and pray that they bring God's peace and love to our communities. To sign up to receive text notification of these posts, text zpc to 39970. We welcome your comments and questions each day.  

About the author: This June will mark my 30th year as a member of ZPC. I have a 24-year-old daughter in her 2nd year of law school in NJ and a 22-year-old son who works and lives in Indianapolis. In May I’ll be getting a new puppy like the one in the picture! I enjoy reading, bible studies, socializing with friends, graphic design, live concerts and smooth jazz. I really enjoy volunteering at Restored Creations, a social enterprise at Wheeler Mission’s Center for Women & Children. I’m also a member of a women’s organization called Kaleo that partners with 13 different urban ministries in Indianapolis.

Today's Scripture: John 20:1-9

Mary Magdalene was an early follower of Jesus whose life was miraculously freed when he drove seven demons out of her. She had been present at Jesus’ death on the cross but even she was not expecting his resurrection, as she made her way to anoint his body. When she arrived, it was no coincidence the stone had been rolled away from the tomb. Jesus could have easily left the tomb without moving the stone. It had been moved not so he could get out but so others could get in to see he was gone! Even though scripture tells us Mary was the first to arrive at the tomb, we’re not even sure if she looks in or enters. Instead, she runs to tell the others that “they have taken the Lord out of the tomb”, thinking his body had been stolen by grave robbers. She doesn’t yet understand what has happened, that she was witnessing the transformation of human history.

When Peter and the other unnamed “disciple whom Jesus loved” arrive, they find the linen wrappings left behind, as if Jesus had passed right through them. If the body had been stolen, surely the thieves wouldn’t have left the grave clothes behind, positioned exactly as they had been on Jesus. This was a divine departure. Although the unnamed disciple realizes that something very strange and supernatural has happened, neither he nor Peter understand the full meaning of what they saw. They were able to bear witness to the empty tomb, but not yet to Jesus’ resurrection.

Like Mary Magdalene and the unnamed disciple, have you ever been skeptical or made hasty conclusions about God? I think we all have! Has your faith moved through “phases,” as your relationship with Jesus deepens in understanding? Oftentimes, we’re so close to a situation that we fail to see the bigger picture and the long-term impact of what God is doing in our life or the lives of those around us. Our limited perspective can prevent us from trusting in the One who breathes new life into us and who is at work in us, often just outside our field of vision. 

Activity:

What I’m doing while being at home
I’m currently reading a book by Randy Alcorn called “Heaven”.  I’ve had an eternal perspective on life for a very long time, but this book has taught me so much more about what lies ahead for believers. It’s a fascinating book that has been life-changing for me. I’d love to see ZPC do a series on heaven sometime (hint, hint)!  

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for your faithfulness to us, even when we question your presence or fail to recognize you in our lives. Thank you for sacrificing your only Son, who died for our sins then rose again so we could be with you forever. We celebrate your resurrection and triumph over death, and humbly ask that you continue to grow us into the people you created us to be.  
Amen.

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