It's All in a Name

The despair and sense of loss by the close friends of Jesus must have been overwhelming. Just a week before as Jesus entered Jerusalem in triumph it seemed that all was going their way. Hope was about to become reality and their intense struggle against the Roman regime was about to break free. Then it all came crashing down culminating with the brutal death of their hero. After enduring the pain of His death someone stole Jesus body - what an insult. Mary sat crying in the lowest moment of feeling alone and unloved. Jesus had loved her even though society had considered her an outcast. In the midst of her dark night a simple word changed all of that - "Mary". When Jesus spoke that word to her is was personal and caring. He appeared to her and His love touched her personally through the simple speaking of a name. Of all people He would appear to her, an outcast, in this manner. The hope is alive in my world of despair. When all seems to come crashing down and my hands cannot refashion my world and my sobs of despair cry out to a God who seems to have left me - He simply speaks "Jeff". Hope is restored because He has never left me. It is I who have left Him. That sweet name He remembers means He cares and He WILL carry me through the night into the morning of hope. That simple word, "Jeff" makes the world right once again.