Uncommon Devotion....
As Joseph of Arimetha took Jesus down from the cross, wrapped him in linen cloth and laid him in the tomb, the women who had come with Jesus from Galilee watched. Tears led the way as Mary Magdalene searched through her heart and memories for answers to the brokeness she felt inside. Questions only served as rocks to weigh down an already crushed hope. The stone was rolled into its place while everything else in her world seemed out of place. Pulling herself together she and the other women did the only thing they knew to do. They went home to prepare spices and perfumes. It was certainly late on this day of preparation. The Sabbath was approaching. So knowing the heart of most women they probably worked as late into the night as possibe before the Sabbath arrived. Working diligently because the sorrowful happenings of the day are best processed when the hands are kept busy. When the Sabbath day arrived Mary Magdalene must have laid her head down in hopes that exhaustion would pull her thoughts into a deep sleep. The final thought before closing her eyes, "My God, help me to understand."

The Sabbath, a day of rest, but for all who loved Jesus rest came only to the body. Thoughts and emotions danced together around the corridors of their mind. Mary Magdalene was no different. Her heart must have been on edge waiting for the day to pass so she could take her preparations to her Lord. Bringing the perfume to pour out on the lifeless body of her Saviour was the only act she knew to do that would convey her love for Jesus. Her devotion to Him began that way. One night she brought the only treasure she had and poured it on Christ. A broken spirit emptied her calloused heart through her tears as she draped His precious feet with her hair. Catching a glimpse into His forgiving eyes, love rushed though her veins, revived her helpless soul and branded her heart with His name forever.

Finally she made her way to His burial site only to find He was not there. She collapsed on the inside as the baracade of emotions broke. Forgetting that she served a God who delights in detail, worry forced her eyes to look around. Soon she found God's provision for her doubt, an angel who reminded her of Christ words that He would be crucified and would be resurrected on the third day. Hope came alive!

God orchestrated that moment for many reasons. Perhaps one of those reasons was to reward Mary Magdalene for her uncommon devotion and to tell her once again of His unconditional love for her.

**** Help me Lord to have a devoted heart such as hers. You are so faithful to remind us all of how much you love us even when we are at our worst. ****