Jesus appeared first to Mary Magdalene. Why her? Not just because of her great love and persistent seeking, but because she was a special trophy of Christ's delivering power. Seven demons had once ruled her life, and Christ had cast them all out.

Learn this well: the greatness of your sin before conversion should never make you think you're disqualified from the highest levels of fellowship with Christ. Never! Mary had left everything to become a constant attendant on the Savior. He was her first thought, her chief object. Many who were on Christ's side never took up Christ's cross—she did. She spent her substance in relieving his wants. Listen—if you want to see much of Christ, then serve him much. Tell me who sits oftenest under the banner of his love, who drinks deepest draughts from the cup of communion, and I guarantee they'll be the ones who give most, serve best, and abide closest to the bleeding heart of their dear Lord.

But notice how Christ revealed himself to this sorrowing one. One word. That's all. "Mary." It needed but one word in his voice, and at once she knew him. Her heart owned allegiance with another word—her heart was too full to say more. "Rabboni!" Master.

That one word was the most fitting for the occasion. It implies obedience. There is no state of mind in which this confession of allegiance will be too cold. No! When your spirit glows most with the heavenly fire, then you will say, "I am your servant—you have loosed my bonds!" If you can say "Master," if you feel that his will is your will, then you stand in a happy, holy place.

He must have said "Mary" before she could say "Rabboni." He speaks first. He always speaks first.

See, then, from all this, how Christ honors those who honor him, how love draws our Beloved, how it needs but one word of his to turn our weeping to rejoicing, how his presence makes the heart's sunshine.