He Knows Your Name

Mary Magdalene stood outside the tomb crying. She turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not realize it was Jesus.  “Woman,” he said, “Why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”  Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him, and I will get him.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary.” 

– John 20:11, 14-16

The moment Jesus spoke her name, Mary Magdalene immediately knew that He was alive.  Death could not defeat Him.  The grave could not hold Him.  The enemy had lost and love had won!

Have you ever thought that Jesus knows your name and calls you close to Him by it?  He knew you before you were knit in your mother’s womb.  He loved you from the moment He created you.  He knows your every thought and action, both good and bad, and He still calls you His beloved child.  But that’s rarely what we call ourselves, right?  

Because I spend a lot of time each week with women, I hear how they talk about themselves.  I often hear things like “I’m so anxious,” “I worry all the time,” “I’m such a mess,” and “I have so much on my plate that I’m failing in every area of my life.”  I hear how their hearts are angry, bitter, critical, and filled with shame and regret.

Before Mary Magdalene became friends with Jesus, she was trapped by seven demons.  The demons screamed lies in her ears and held her captive.  The demons stopped her from living life the way God had planned.  I wonder how many of us are trapped by thoughts about ourselves that God would love to replace with truth.  I’m guessing all of us.

Just think how our lives would be so different if we gave Jesus our “demons” and let Him replaced the empty space with His character traits.  Imagine these incredible exchanges happening in your heart.  What if you traded…

• Anger for Adoration
• Bitterness for Forgiveness
• Criticism, for Compassion
• Doubt for Devoted Love
• Pride for Peace
• Selfishness for Security

After being healed, rescued, and restored, it’s no wonder that Mary Magdalene followed Jesus in His earthly ministry, walked with Him to the cross, and mourned His death at the tomb.  

Mary Magdalene lived out her faith through fellowship with Jesus every day.  She poured out her resources and her heart to the One who had saved her.  It’s not surprising, then, that she was the first person Jesus spoke to after His resurrection.  

Mary was blessed beyond her wildest dreams.  Jesus wants to do the same with you.  He is calling your name.  Will you draw close to Him?  Will you listen to His truths about you?  Will you give him your hurts, hang ups, and anything that holds you back from living your life freely?  Will you take your new identity, given to you by Jesus, and live blessed beyond your wildest dreams?

The Power of Giving God Thanks Will Ignite Your Faith and Change Your World!

Thank You for Being a Part of the 3 O’Clock Wake Up Movement