Clinging to Jesus

Yesterday, my friend Debbie sent me a powerful picture of a man clinging to the Cross, posted by Jennifer Brooks. Her post encouraged us that no matter what anxiety, grief, or horror story you or I are going through right now, "Just cling."

This reminded me of the story in John 20:11-18, where Mary Magdalene was standing outside Jesus' tomb, crying. Two angels sitting there, one where His head had lain and one where His feet were, asked her why she was crying and who she was looking for.

She said, "They have taken my Lord away, I don't know where they have put Him." Then Jesus appeared to her, but she didn't know that it was Him and presumed Him to be the gardener. Jesus asked her the same question: "Woman, why are you crying? Who is it that you are looking for?"

Her response was a little amusing. She told Him that if He had carried Jesus away, to tell her where He was and she would go get Him. How would she, a woman alone, drag Jesus' body away with her? Jesus then said her name, "Mary," and she immediately recognized Him. She said, "Rabboni," which means "Teacher."

God knows your name and He is speaking it to you now. What is Jesus teaching you and me?

Jesus told her to stop clinging to Him and gave her an instruction, a command--the same one that He gives you and me. To go and tell. To share the Good News about Jesus with others, even to the ends of the Earth.

Who or what are you clinging to right now in the midst of your trial?

No matter what hardship you or I are experiencing, we can cling to Jesus. We can also trust Him. He's here right now, wanting to help us and reveal how much He loves us and desires to show us God's goodness and faithfulness.

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Beth M. Jones is an International Speaker, Author of 30 books, wife to fire chief-paramedic Ray, and mom of 3 beautiful daughters Heather, Eden, and Leah. She also has two adorable cats, Natalya and Nichodemus, who follow her everywhere. You can learn about Beth's speaking for conferences and retreats at www.BethJones.net.

You can discover Beth's books at her Amazon Author Page at www.amazon.com/author/bethmjones.

Follow Beth on X (formerly Twitter) @bethmjones and on Instagram @beth_mjones.