THEME: DON’T JUST GRIEVE, PRAY!
MEMORISE: …weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning., Psalms 30:5
READ: John 20:11-18
- ¶. But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,
- And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.
- And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.
- And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.
- Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.
- Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.
- Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God.
- Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.
MESSAGE:
While He was on earth, Jesus healed and impacted many people, but only a few really fellowshipped with Him. One such person was Mary Magdalene, from whom Jesus cast out seven demons (Luke 8:2). She stuck to Jesus throughout His ministry, and when He was crucified, she visited Jesus’ tomb, probably praying as she wept and expressed her grief and love for Him. Jesus appeared to her, comforted her, and gave her a message for the disciples. Her vulnerability and willingness to pour out her heart, even amid sorrow, showed that anyone can find comfort in the Lord.
My dear child, I also grieve over sorrowful events because I am human. However, the moment I pour out my heart in prayer, the Holy Spirit brings comfort and renewed hope. Please, do not let anyone bully you into manning up when bad things happen. Feel free to cry to the Lord in prayer, and ask Him to heal your heart and make everything good.
KEY POINT: When in pain, talk to Jesus.
HYMN 64: WHEN UPON LIFE’S BILLOWS YOU ARE TEMPEST TOSSED
1 When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,
Count your many blessings, name them one by one,
And it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.
Chorus:
Count your blessings,
name them one by one;
Count your blessings,
see what God hath done;
Count your blessings,
name them one by one;
Count your many blessings, see what
God hath done.
2 Are you ever burdened with a load of care?
Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear?
Count your many blessings, ev’ry doubt will fly,
And you will be singing as the days go by.
3 When you look at others with their lands and gold,
Think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold;
Count your many blessings, money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven, nor your home on high.
4 So, amid the conflict, whether great or small,
Do not be discouraged, God is over all;
Count your many blessings, angels will attend,
Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Lamentations 4:1-5:22, Hebrews 2:1-18
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE & PASTOR (MRS) FOLU ADEBOYE