Christian Counseling Service -- Devotions

Mary's theophostic conversation

Saturday, April 9, 2011

John 11:21-27
Martha went and called her sister Mary secretly, saying, "The teacher is here and is asking for you." As soon as Mary heard this, she rose quickly and went to him, for Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was still where Martha had met him.

When Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet and said to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

I've been crying so much, Father, there have been no words. I kept hearing Jesus tell me how much you love us, that no one will snatch us out of your hand. I saw his smile, and felt your breath somehow on my face, Father. I cried some more. Waiting for my brother to live or die.

Jesus - I thought he was coming sooner. He's touched so many strangers and they've been healed. Lazarus is one of his best friends! Now Jesus is here. And it's too late.

Let me hold you, Mary. Let me just be right here with you. I will never leave you. And I will never leave your brother.

I miss my brother so much already! I feel so much regret! I wish I could have done something to help him. I wish Jesus could have done something to help him. I wish you could have done something to help him, Father!

Put your hand out, Mary. Touch your brother's body. Put your hand right over the bandages on his face. Let your tears make the gauze a little wet, and hear me. I will never leave you. I will never leave your brother.

Hold me, Father. Hold me, Jesus. Hold me close, hold my heart.

John 12:1
(Later, after Lazarus has been raised from the dead):
They gave a dinner for Jesus, and Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with him. Mary took a liter of costly perfumed oil made from genuine aromatic nard (worth maybe $35,000?), and anointed the feet of Jesus, and dried them with her hair.

I am learning, Father, and I know you will not always raise my brother just like this, but thank you for giving me this dinner with him and Jesus. There is nothing more precious to me. You have quieted my fear. And I can be still with you now.

Father's smile seems to pour over Mary, anointing her with grace and love.

Let me do that too, Father, for your son. As you prepare him for whatever you have coming next.

You beckon, Jesus, you draw me gently to my knees and I am lost for words, so lost in love, so sweetly broken, wholly surrendered. What a priceless gift, undeserved life. *

* here's the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyJuKHvoPGc

Devotions Archive

Mary's theophostic conversation

Saturday, April 9, 2011