Go and Tell

Scripture 
John 20:14-17 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?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she 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 in Hebrew, “Rabboni!” (which means, Teacher).  Jesus said to her, “Stop clinging to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I ascend to My Father and your Father, and My God and your God.’”

Observation
Mary didn't recognize Jesus at first; she thought he was the gardener and that maybe he was even the one responsible for taking away His body.  Yet, Jesus, after rising from the dead, before ascending to be with God the Father, took time to reveal himself to Mary.  He asked her, "Why are you weeping?" and "Who are you seeking?"  He cares.  Jesus called Mary by name and the moment she heard His voice - she knew this was Jesus - and He was alive!  The God of the universe, God of all creation - is a personal God who loves us, died for us, and He knows our names.  He cautions Mary, 'stop clinging to Me' - don't hang onto Me just for yourself.  "Go and tell My brothers, My followers, that I am going to My Father, now your Father, My God, and now your God.'  Go and tell!  There is hope!  Jesus is alive forevermore!  Because of what He has done for us, we are no longer separated from God by sin and death!  Jesus made a way for us and now God is our Father, and our God. 

Application
I can know beyond all doubt that God is personal.  He knows my name.  He sees when I am sad.  He cares.  Am I keeping Him all to myself, or telling others what great things He has done for me?  I'm encouraged all the more as I read His Word, to go and tell . . . whoever will listen.  Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever!  

Prayer
O Father God, You are my Father in heaven, and my God.  Thanks be to Jesus Christ, Your Son, who has set me free and reconciled me to You by way of the cross.  He bled and died, suffered beyond what I can imagine, so that I might call You Father.  I give You all thanks and praise for loving me enough to send Your Son for me.  For all of us.  His mission was to seek and save the lost, to serve, to give His life so we might have life.  Now I know my mission.  Go and tell - and may You be glorified in all I have to tell.  In the Name of Jesus Christ, my Lord, my Savior, and my God.   A-men.