Love That Calls Your Name at Dawn – Love in the Wilderness

A gentle devotion on John 20:1-18 on Jesus knowing each of us

Here is a devotion to start your day!

A spoken version of this devotion is available through the Still, Here audio reflections podcast.

Scripture: John 20:1–18; Luke 24:1–8

Now on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene went early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb. Therefore she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have laid him!” Jn 20:1-2

Reflection

The first day of the week dawns quietly. While it is still dark, Mary Magdalene comes to the tomb. Other gospels tell us of women bringing spices. They expect a corpse, not a conversation. They come to honor love they believe death has already ended.

Instead, they find the stone rolled away. Angels announce that He is risen. Disciples race to see, then go home unsure. Mary remains, weeping. Through her tears, she turns and sees someone she assumes is the gardener. Only when He says her name—“Mary”—does recognition break through. The voice she has heard before, now on the other side of death.

Love in the wilderness does not stop at the cross. It walks through death and emerges in a garden, calling us by name. The One who was crushed now stands, alive, with scars that shine instead of bleed. He tells Mary not to cling to Him as before; the relationship is changing. He is ascending to His Father and our Father, His God and our God.

These forty days have led you through wilderness, confession, surrender, and hope in the shadow of the cross. But this is not the end. Resurrection means love is now loose in the world in a new way—closer than your breath, present in every moment of your ordinary life.

Today, listen for the risen Jesus speaking your name.

A Prayer of Presence

Risen Lord,

Meet me in the half-light of my confusion and grief. Call me by name until I recognize Your living presence. Lead me from clinging fearinto a deeper life in Your risen love. – Amen

Practice for Today

Find a quiet moment and imagine yourself in the garden near the empty tomb. Hear Jesus say your name. Ask Him, “What do You want me to know as I step beyond these forty days?” Write down any phrase, scripture, or impression that comes.

Consider This...

How has this journey through the wilderness and the cross changed the way I see Jesus, myself, and His love—and what might it look like to keep walking in resurrection love beyond these forty days?

Carry This Prayer With You

Breathe in: Risen Jesus…
Breathe out: … I hear You call my name

This work is freely shared. If it nourishes your life with God, you’re welcome to help sustain it.