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CERTIFICATE OF RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE (CertRK) CERTIFICATE OF BIBLICAL STUDIES (CertBS) DIPLOMA IN THEOLOGY (DipTh) BACHELOR OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (BRE) BACHELOR OF THEOLOGY (BTh) MASTER OF RELIGIOUS EDUCATION (MRE) MASTER OF DIVINITY (MDiv) Thereafter you are cordially invited to a buffet dinner downstairs. *************** THE GOSPEL OF LIFE: Chapter XX John 20:1, 2; 11-16 Why first to Mary Magdalene? There were two parties of disciples who converged on the Garden Tomb that first Easter Lord’s Day morning: 1) The women, headed by Mary Magdalene; 2) Peter and John. Not knowing the Scripture that Jesus must rise from the dead (Ps. 16:10), the women had brought along spices and ointments (Luke 23:56), an expression of their womanly love. Nor Peter and John, for sure. Of the disciples who came to see Jesus, it is Mary Magdalene who was given the honour of the first Appearance by our Lord. Why? Why should one who was a bad sinner, out of whom seven devils were cast out (Lk 8:2), receive such blessing? Here is the manifestation of God’s unspeakable grace! As the chorus goes: “My past is forgiven, From sin I am free!” Being seven-fold indebted to her Lord, her love for Jesus correspondingly exceeded that of others. Of all our Lord’s followers, none seemed, not even John, to have loved so much as Mary Magdalene. Bishop Andrews observes, “She was last at His cross, and first at His grave. She stayed longest there, and was soonest here.” “Love is strong as death,” says Solomon. Love is the greatest motivating power! Love is also the greatest sustaining power. Love is God-power, for God is love (I John 4:8). Thus when it was discovered that the Tomb was empty, those who came with Mary left the scene, one by one. It was Mary Magdalene whose steps were quickened by love who now was constrained by the same to linger. As much as to say, “I will never leave You, Lord, until I find You.” That devotion and earnest-seeking is what the lukewarm Church of Laodicea lacks today. What we need is Mary’s love, even the first love of the Church of Ephesus. In the University of Christ, knowledge is often seen to puff up, but it is love, unassuming, that receives the conferment of Christ’s degree. Why not first to Mary Magdalene? “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works” (Heb 10:24). John 20:2-10 Peter and John lf Mary Magdalene is commended for her sevenfold love for Jesus, Peter must be commended also – for his deep-seated loyalty for his Master. Though he had betrayed Him in a moment of weakness under overcrushing odds, his bitter tears of repentance had washed every stain – of seeming disloyalty. That our Lord had looked upon him reminded of His loving words of caution and care spoken a while ago: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren” (Lk 22:31, 32). That Peter was not behind the others on that early Easter morning’s pilgrimage speaks well of his restored heart. How he vowed to love Christ three times more! In Peter’s restoration is contrasted Judas’ perdition. How do we know Judas was lost? His self-destruction sealed it. But not Peter! Christian, whatever your sin, whatever your defeat, never say die, like Peter. Repent, return, while the Lord just now is looking upon you. As for John, the beloved disciple from beginning to end, he is to be commended for not only taking care of our Lord’s mother, but also for his concern for his big brother. Surely he was the one who looked Peter up, and told him where they had laid Him. Who else could it be? He was the one who learned from Mary’s lips her personal meeting with the Risen Saviour. The characteristics of the two men disciples are once again so typically revealed. Peter the man of impulsive action, though outrun by John the younger man, nevertheless, was forward to enter the sepulchre. But, John looked on, and pondered. The important thing is that both believed that Christ was risen, and the proof of this stupendous fact to them was the empty tomb with the napkin and linen-clothes in their places. At least that is John’s personal testimony (Jn. 20:8). Today, God has His Peters and Johns, each with his individual characteristic, some quick, some slow. The important thing is that we believe in His Risen Son, and love Him though we have not seen Him. Here’s Peter’s Easter message, “Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (I Peter 1:8). John 20:11-16 Not theological spectacles but through tears of love Some commentators look askance at Mary of Magdalene with their theological spectacles cocked, but they have never had the honour of meeting with the Risen Saviour. They speak rather harshly of Mary’s ignorance and superstition, which we do not agree. It was Mary’s tears that moved the Risen Saviour first to her side. It was Mary’s weeping from a yearning, loving heart that induced our Lord to send His angels. While it is true, according to Calvin, that Christ initiated the glory of His kingdom by angels to honour His tomb and take away the ignominy of the cross, we believe the angels were sent for Mary’s sake. Mary’s tears of love. The words “Woman why weepest thou?” were asked not in admonition but in sympathy. With tape-recording of the syllables this would then be verified! When Jesus suddenly stood behind her and asked the same question, and added “Whom seekest thou”, it was a Shepherd’s love reciprocating to the lost ewe lamb. Nor can we blame Mary when she, still in an emotional flood, persisted to anoint her Lord with the spices she had brought. Our extremity is His opportunity. It is in this valley of tears that Jesus revealed Himself to Mary, calling her in that loving accent she was wont to hear, “Mary” (Miriam in the Hebrew). M-a-r-y! Why, that is the Master’s Voice! “Rabboni,” returned one having her eyes suddenly opened. That first Appearance to the disciples had occurred! When joined in one are Voice and voice, It is important that God’s Word be studied with a yearning, loving heart. How many a vision of His love, sympathy, power, majesty is lost when spectacled professors look for the trees but miss the woods. Greek particles and Hebrew pointings to the last jot and tittle, precision upon dry precision, but no Vision! That Jesus first appeared to Mary Magdalene, but not to Rev. Peter or Elder John is a lesson Church leaders must take note. Conversely, let those who have neither power or means, but that nurtured love reserved for his or her Lord take courage with Mary. Not theological spectacles, but through tears of love. Verse for the Week: The ransom of a man’s life are his riches: but the poor heareth not rebuke. Prov. 13:8 ***** FEBC 31st Graduation Exercises will be held this evening at Calvary Pandan B-P Church, SGBF Hour, 6 pm. Speaker: Dr Paul Lee Tan. Young People’s Fellowship Meeting will be held this Sat (May 13, 06) at 3.30 pm. Venue: Mr and Mrs Foo’s home at 53 Oriole Crescent. Message: “TULIP – Part 2” by Dn Tai Mern Yee. For details, please contact Herbert at 94377715. Adults Fellowship Meeting will be held at the home of Mr and Mrs William Teo this Sat (May 13, 06) at 3.30 pm. Address: Blk 835 Woodlands St. 83 #12-113. Message: “Serving the Lord with a right heart” by Rev Ronny Khoo. For details, please contact William Teo at 91831150. The Adults’ Sunday School Class by Dr Jeffrey Khoo is now studying the book of I John, 9.15 am – 10.15 am. All are welcome. Young People’s Fellowship cordially invites all youths and their parents to the Parents’ Appreciation Day on May 20, 2006. Time: 3.30 pm. Venue: 53 Oriole Crescent. Speaker: Elder William Seah. Those interested in contributing food/refreshments, please contact Herbert at 94377715. Bible Camp June 12 – 16, 2006 at Colmar
Tropicale, Bukit Tinggi. Theme: “Accelerated Missions Hastens To
Bring in Christ’s Kingdom (Matthew 24:14)”. Speakers: Rev Stephen
Khoo & Rev Errol Stone. Please register early. Closing Date: May 21,
2006.
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