RABBONI - MY MASTER

Bu

t Mary stood outside by the tomb weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. Then they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.”  Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). (John 20:11-16 NKJV)

 

When the disciples had returned to their home, Mary stood at the door of the sepulcher, weeping. Then she took one more look at the place where He had lain. Thus still we look down into the grave of ordinances, of past emotions, of old and sacred memories, seeking for the Redeemer. The angel-guards sought in vain to comfort her; but what could they do for her, who longed to hear His voice only?

The sense of a Presence behind, or perhaps, as St. Chrysostom finely suggests, because of an expression of love and awe that passed over the angels' faces--led her to turn herself, and she saw One standing there whom she supposed to be the gardener. Then He called her by the old familiar name, with the same intonation of voice, and she knew that it was her Lord. The knowledge that He was there, to Whom she owed all, thrilled her and she answered in the country tongue they both knew so well, "Rabboni!"

Doesn’t this suggest that in that new life, which lies beyond, we shall hear again the voices speak with which we have been familiar? "'As we have born the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly, and shall have fellowship again with those whom we have lost."

"Rabboni" is "my Master." We must take the risen Lord not only as our Savior, but our Master. Too many look to Him only for what He shall do for them in the way of salvation and deliverance from sin, but we shall never realize the fullness of either until we fall at His feet and own Him as Master and Lord.

It must be a personal act, "My Master." It is not enough that He should be Lord of others, or of His Church. He must be yours. Give your all for His all. Begin to live as if there were none but He and you in this world. He is ever appealing to us: "Son! Daughter! Give Me your heart, your love."

When He is Master, we obey His bidding. It is useless to call Him "Lord, Lord," and not do the things which He says. Ours must be the alert ear, the swift foot. "Go, tell!" So He speaks still.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, open our eyes to see the face of Christ looking down upon us during our household duties or daily business. Give us a quick ear for Your voice, and may we go on doing good, as You give us opportunity. In Jesus' name I pray this, AMEN.

God's Daily Promise

Promise #325:
If you love Me with all your heart, I will provide all you need. 

Deuteronomy 11:13-14 (WEB)
13 It shall happen, if you shall listen diligently to my commandments which I command you this day, to love Yahweh your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, 14 that I will give the rain of your land in its season, the former rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain, and your new wine, and your oil.