Anglican Devotional 22 July 2023 – Perseverance In Faith Yields Wonderful Results

 The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 22 July 2023 – Perseverance In Faith Yields Wonderful Results

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TOPIC: Perseverance In Faith Yields Wonderful Results

READ: JOHN 20:11-18 (NKJV)

But 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).

Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and [to] My God and your God.’ “

Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and [that] He had spoken these things to her.

THE MESSAGE:

Today marks the life and times of St. Mary Magdalene, as we remember the prominent role she played in the Gospel narratives. Her personality and character in the gospels depict a deep love for God, forgiveness and regeneration, deliverance from satanic grip and perseverance in faith. Mary the Magdalene refused to leave the premises of the tomb of Jesus even after Peter and John had left in hopelessness when they could not see the body of Jesus. The insistence of Mary not to leave the tomb without seeing the body of the Saviour who had cured her of demonic oppression, made her take a step further than what Peter and John did. As a result, she became the first person to see the resurrected Jesus; the first person commissioned to spread the tidings of seeing the resurrected Jesus, according to John’s gospel (verses 11-17; Mark 16:9; Matthew 28:1).

Dearly beloved, failure to persevere in your journey of faith in the Lord will not let you enjoy the full benefits and joy of serving Him fully. As Mary refused to leave the tomb until she saw Jesus, so must you decide to persevere in your faith in him without looking back. Peter and John did not enjoy the privilege of seeing the resurrected Jesus first hand because they ran back to the disciples. Mary Magdalene took a step deeper and further by eagerly desiring to see Jesus. The deeper you go in your fellowship with Christ, the deeper your knowledge of Him grows. The more you yield to Him, the better you enjoy Him. The more you persevere in following Him despite worldly enticement and distraction, the more glorious and wonderful your life becomes. Make a decision today to persevere in your walk with Him.

PRAYER: Father, help me to always persevere in the faith that I may enjoy Your blessings. Amen.

The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) provides daily scriptural readings and reflections to help individuals deepen their relationship with God. This edition for 22 July 2023 focuses on the theme of forgiveness and explores how we can receive and extend forgiveness to others as Christ did for us. Join us in this enriching journey of faith and discover the power of forgiveness in your life.