He sees you
This fresh set of Daily Devotions is being provided for our LCA/NZ family, friends and visitors to help us to keep our eyes on Jesus as we face unsettling times. They can be used by families and individuals as part of the LCA/NZ’s Church@Home resources to encourage us and build trust in our Heavenly Father during this season of uncertainty and physical isolation.
by Jane Mueller
Click here for your printable verse to carry with you today.
She thought he was the gardener … ‘Mary!’ Jesus said (John 20:15,16).
Chemicals in the brain that cause emotional responses are generally absorbed in about six seconds. When we give in to overwhelming emotions – confusion, anxiety, anger, terror, grief – these chemicals can take up to four hours to dissipate. Neuroscientists call this the amygdala hijack. During the amygdala hijack, we can become inward-looking and irrational, and lose sight of what’s happening around us. It’s not until we shift our thinking to the prefrontal cortex – the logical part of the brain – that we are better equipped to assess and respond to a situation.
I wonder if Mary Magdalene was experiencing the amygdala hijack when she initially turned to leave Jesus’ empty tomb. Not only had she lost her Teacher, Friend and Lord to an unfair trial and barbaric execution, but she witnessed first-hand that Jesus’ body was not where it should have been. Throw into the mix a chat with a couple of angels. Mary had experienced a tumultuous and unnerving few days.
Overcome with grief upon grief, despite knowing and loving Jesus, Mary mistook him for the gardener. There he was, standing right in front of her, but she didn’t recognise him.
How often are we so swept up in our emotions that we fail to see Jesus standing right in front of us? How often do we default to panic or hysteria, neglecting to trust that Jesus is at work in our circumstances and that he had a plan all along? Could it be that, on a grand spiritual scale, the human condition leaves us in a constant state of amygdala hijack? Maybe at times it’s our disbelief that God will truly follow through on his promises. After all, his promises are unfathomable to the human mind.
The highlight of Mary’s story is that, even though she didn’t immediately recognise Jesus, he recognised her.
Mary’s story is my story. Even when I don’t see the Resurrected Lord Jesus because of my human doubts, frailties and insecurities, he sees me.
This is your story, too.
He sees you.
Jesus, you are risen. You are risen indeed! You see me and you call my name. You are my constant Companion and you never leave me. When I feel distanced from you and can’t see you, open my eyes to your presence. All glory, praise and honour are yours, my Risen King. Amen.
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