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Weep Not, June 28
Christ Is Close Beside You
Why weepest thou?
John 20:15
Often they [the disciples] repeated the words, “We trusted that it had
been He which should have redeemed Israel.” Lonely and sick at heart
they remembered His words, “If they do these things in a green tree,
what shall be done in the dry?” They met together in the upper chamber,
and closed and fastened the doors, knowing that the fate of their beloved
Teacher might at any time be theirs.
And all the time they might have been rejoicing in the knowledge
of a risen Saviour. In the garden Mary had stood weeping, when Jesus
was close beside her. Her eyes were so blinded by tears that she did not
discern Him. And the hearts of the disciples were so full of grief that
they did not believe the angels’ message or the words of Christ Himself.
How many are still doing what these disciples did. How many echo
Mary’s despairing cry, “They have taken away the Lord, ... and we know
not where they have laid Him.” To how many might the Saviour’s words
be spoken, “Why weepest thou? whom seekest thou?” He is close beside
them, but their tear-blinded eyes do not discern Him. He speaks to them,
but they do not understand.
O that the bowed head might be lifted, that the eyes might be opened
to behold Him, that the ears might listen to His voice! “Go quickly,
and tell His disciples that He is risen.” ... Mourn not as those who are
hopeless and helpless. Jesus lives, and because He lives we shall live
also. From grateful hearts, from lips touched with holy fire, let the glad
song ring out, Christ is risen! He lives to make intercession for us. Grasp
this hope, and it will hold the soul like a sure, tried anchor. Believe, and
thou shalt see the glory of God.
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