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. (Joh 20:14-17)
Our Lord, who triumphed over sIn, and hath victory over the grave, sends us, His royal ambassadors, to be His ministers, to this lost and dying world. We have the message of hope, that Jesus lives, and because He lives, we have power, hope, victory, blessings, and the promise that GOD will overcome. We also have a message of warning, that GOD has and will judge sIn, that the wages of sIn is death, but the gift of GOD is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our liberty is not a license to sIn, because sIn is an offense against our Holy GOD, who calls us to be holy, and chose us in Him to be holy and without blame before Him in love.
Because He lives, we can reach out to others in ministry, pouring our lives into others as GOD has blessed us, to meet the needs of those who are hurting and in need, that they might see Jesus in us, the hope of Glory. Because He lives, through His indwelling Spirit that He has sent to each one of us, we can love one another, forbearing and forgiving one another, as Christ hath forgiven us. Because He lives, we can learn of Him, through the Scriptures which speak of Him, as we disciple one another in His Word. Because He lives, we can share Him with others, telling those who are without the Good News of Salvation by faith and repentance that those who hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ, with its victory over the second death, and believe might have life in His Name.
For GOD is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to repentance and the knowledge of the Truth. Jesus loves you and wants to establish a covenant relationship with you that is real and personal. Surrender to Him on His terms and He will give you a brand new life of discipleship and fellowship with Him that is abundant and everlasting. GOD calls you to trust Him and what He has already done for you to pay your sIn debt. He has provided the only way of reconciliation with GOD with forgiveness and Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Son of GOD who is GOD the Son, to give you a new life in Christ. Turn away from yourself and your sIn and turn to Him alone for eternal Life, now and always.
In Christ,
Jefferson Sweet