Attractive Hearts

When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had driven seven demons. She went and told those who been with Him and who were mourning and weeping. When they heard that Jesus was alive and that Mary had seen Him, they did not believe it. Mark 16:9-11

Why did Jesus appear to Mary first? Was it because she had anointed Him for burial and loved and appreciated Him deeply? We know Jesus loved John, why not John? Did Mary have something the others didn't? Mary went to the tomb with the other women, she was unafraid, or perhaps was but lay it aside. Those who are forgiven much love much. Mary had been set free from demonic possession and given new life. What gratitude would she have?

The others refused to believe Mary? Was it because she was a woman? No! There were two men walking down a road and Jesus appeared to them, they ran back with a report of Jesus being alive, and the others did not believe them. They were filled with grief and unbelief. Jesus later appears to the Eleven and rebukes them for their unbelief. Faith cannot operate where there is unbelief.

Why does God visit any of us? Does He find an open believing heart? I know I would look for faith and visit it, if I were God. Faith is so attractive, I am constantly drawn to it. Perhaps this is what we need to cultivate in our hearts.


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