by Kathleen Petersen
Now very early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene came to the tomb and saw that the stone had been moved away from the entrance. John 20:1 NET
This “murky hour” between dark and light when most of us are not quite asleep nor quite awake can create a state of vulnerability to dark thoughts and unusual experiences.
When my daughter was young, I was sometimes assailed during that ”murky hour” with thoughts that I had permanently ruined her life with prior actions.
Such guilt! Only after I pulled into full consciousness was I able to put those thoughts into better perspective.
Mary Magdalene’s sense of grief and foreboding may have been intensified that particular morning because it marked what should have been the joyous
Feast of Firstfruits. But no joy for her — she was lamenting the loss of her Master who had brought her out of desperate brokenness. Was she also hearing
murky voices that reminded her of her own weakness and accented her sorrow?
The Jews celebrated the Feast of Firstfruits two days after Passover as part of the seven day Feast of Unleavened Bread. Leviticus 23:4-14 discloses that these holidays were instituted to be holy convocations (rehearsals) which recalled the most significant past events/miracles that God had ever performed for Israel. They were also rehearsals for more glorious fulfillment in future events and miracles. These festivals also anticipated Israel’s expected messiah.
Little did Mary know she was to be such a significant part of that glorious fulfillment. She was the first person to experience the most extraordinary First Fruits celebration in history! The Apostle Paul wrote:
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead also came through a man. For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ, the firstfruits; then when Christ comes, those who belong to him. 1 Corinthians 15:20-23 NET
Are you experiencing a “murky hour”? Silence any voice of despair by taking time to gain full consciousness. Review either God’s promises or some of the marvelous acts of power Jesus has performed in your life. Rejoice that you are part of the First Fruits who belong to him and will join in his resurrection.
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