Scripture: Mark 16:9-15

9 It was early on the first day of the week when Jesus was raised from the dead. Mary Magdalene saw Him first. He had put seven demons out of her. 10 She went and told His followers. They were crying because of much sorrow. 11 But they did not believe her when she said she had seen Him alive.

 12 After that He was seen again by two of His followers as they walked into the country. He did not look like He had looked before to these two people. 13 They went and told it to the others. The others did not believe them.

 14 Later He was seen by the eleven followers as they were eating. He spoke to them with sharp words because they did not believe and their hearts were hard. And they did not believe the others who had seen Him since He had been raised from the dead.

15 He said to them, "You are to go to all the world and preach the Good News to every person.

Meditation: The first to see the risen Lord was not Peter or one of the apostles, but a woman noted for her demonized living! She had been forgiven much, and loved her Master greatly. She was first at the tomb to pay her respects. Unfortunately for the disciples, they would not believe her account of the Risen Master.  Jesus had to scold his apostles because of their unbelief and stubborn hearts. Are you like the apostles or like Mary – slow to believe or quick to run to Jesus? Do you doubt because you do not see? The Lord makes his presence known to us through the work of the Holy Spirit. He gives us the gift of faith to know him personally and to understand the mystery of his death and rising. Do you believe his word and do you listen to his voice?

After his appearance to his beloved apostles, Jesus commissions them to go and preach the gospel to the whole creation. Their task is to proclaim the good news of salvation, not only to the people of Israel, but to all the nations. This is the great commission which the risen Christ gives to the whole church. All believers have been given a share in this task – to be heralds of the good news and ambassadors for Jesus Christ, the only savior of the world. We have not been left alone in this task, for the risen Lord works in and through us by the power of his Holy Spirit. Do you witness to others the joy of the gospel and the hope of the resurrection?

Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, increase my faith and hope in the power of your resurrection. And give me joy and courage to be your witness to others and to boldly speak of what you have done to save us from sin and death."

Psalm 118: 1, 14-21

1 Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good. His loving-kindness lasts forever.

14 The Lord is my strength and my song. He is the One Who saves me.

 15 The joy of being saved is being heard in the tents of those who are right and good. The right hand of the Lord does powerful things.
 16 The Lord's right hand is lifted high. The right hand of the Lord does powerful things.
 17 I will not die but live. And I will tell of what the Lord has done.
 18 The Lord has punished me but He has not given me over to death.

 19 Open to me the gates of what is right and good. I will go through them and give thanks to the Lord.
 20 This is the gate of the Lord. Those who are right with God will pass through it.
 21 I will give thanks to You, for You have answered me. And You are the One Who saves me.