August 18, 2016: SOAP #2450:  Jeremiah 26, 35-36; John 20

Scripture:  John (NIV) 20:15 “Woman,” he said, “why are you crying? Who is it you are 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.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned towards him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).  17 Jesus said, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not yet returned to the Father. Go instead to my brothers and tell them, ‘I am returning to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”  18 Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them that he had said these things to her.

Observation:   Mary’s emotions had so quickly changed from grief to ecstatic joy!  Jesus then gave her a task, “Go and tell…”  Would she do it?  Of course she would!   I can easily imagine the excitement in her voice as she told the disciples, “I have seen the Lord!”  This was personal.  She had seen Jesus!

Application:   How sad it is when our testimony becomes stale.  In walking with Jesus, we should have something fresh to share with others every day.  This is what God said today!   This is what God did today!  I’ve got to tell somebody!

Prayer:    Holy Spirit, keep me fresh in my relationship with Jesus and my testimony will also be fresh!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!