I Was There

...at the tomb this morning.

Interestingly, one of the three sermons I heard today was titled, "Your Place in the Easter Story." The scripture passage was from John 20. There were three characters in the narrative with three different responses to the empty grave. As the pastor pointed out each of the distinctions in their expressions, she suggested that we identify with one of them.

There was John, the disciple whom Jesus loved, running as quickly as he could to the garden; with only a glance at the flattened grave clothes he believed. It did not take much for his faith to appear. At times my faith comes just as easily, but not recently.

Then Peter arrived, carrying a load of guilt and embarrassment. He could not get to the tomb as quickly as John for the weight upon his shoulders. He hesitated, unsure of what exactly he was witnessing. His faith eventually came with much patience and after a breakfast prepared by the resurrected Jesus himself. I must admit my own uncertainty in Christ's power and authority when entangled by the web of shame, but this morning doubt had no room in my mind.

The third member of the Easter parade was Mary. She came with tears in her eyes. She came with grief over the death of her beloved master. There in the empty tomb Mary encountered Jesus, but not until she heard him call her name did she recognize his face. She was in need of the intimate appeal of Christ. This is where I found myself. My heart longing to hear the savior call my name. My name has such importance to me. It identifies me from the others around me. Jesus spoke the name "Mary!" and she was able to testify, "I have seen the Lord."

With a broken spirit I hear the Risen Christ call out my name, "Sarah!" How sweet his voice! Today, I have seen the Lord. He lives!