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From Mary We Learn To Linger In Love

“The disciples went back to their homes, but Mary stood outside the tomb crying.” John 20:10-11 NIV
After learning the facts of the resurrection, the two disciples went home; but those same facts caused Mary to remain at the empty tomb, crying for her Lord. Anytime we go to the tomb we are blessed, because there we learn more of eternal love and care. However, if we linger there as Mary did, not only for knowledge but also because we love Him who first loved us – if we linger to express our love not only through words but also tears – then we enter into personal communion that deepens our affection.

In today’s self-seeking world many have been told to come to the tomb to understand what happened, and see what has been gained for them. While this is not wrong, it falls far short of our Savior’s desire for us. Because Mary stayed behind and wept, because she expressed love without expecting anything in return, she was blessed with a personal encounter that is reserved for a few.

John and Peter had literally raced to the tomb and found it empty (Jn. 20:3). They went home with evidence, having seen “the strips of linen” (Jn. 20:5-7). When Mary looked in the tomb, she saw not just linen cloth, but “two angels in white, seated where Jesus’ body had been” (Jn. 20:12). She learned not just of Christ, but from Him, as He revealed Himself to the one who stayed behind out of love. In conversation with her as yet unrecognized Lord, she expressed her deep desire: “Tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him” (Jn. 20:15).

If you find that you are more like the disciples than like Mary – and sadly most of us are – then run right now to the tomb. After you have found the evidence of His resurrection – the stone rolled away and the linens – do not return home as the disciples did. Rather, linger there and weep until you can express, as did Mary, the desire to “get Him.” Then you will have learned from Mary that special thing that only comes from lingering in love.

By Larry Ondrejack