Today’s Scrip-Bit 5 July 2026 John 20:15a.
John 20:15a. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?
And it’s another Sunday, somewhat cloudy and not as hot as the last few days, that’s why the church bells are pealing, inviting us to come together in the Lord’s sanctuary to praise and worship Him, fellowship with other believers, while having our spirits renewed and revitalized so we can get back out into the world, strong and ready to continue doing good work for Jesus. And all God’s people, said, ‘Praise the Lord!’
Now, today’s song of worship was authored by the American gospel song writer Charles Austin Miles (1868- 1946) He began his career as a pharmacist, then around 1892 got into the song writing and publishing business. And as per that switch, he says: ‘It is as a writer of gospel songs I am proud to be known, for in that way I may be of the most use to my Master, whom I serve willingly although not as efficiently as is my desire.’
Oh friends, I wish many more of us could be as enthusiastic about serving the Lord as Miles seemed to be. And today’s song, written in 1912, is one we all know and like, titled, ‘In the Garden (He walks with Me).’ So, without further ado, let’s offer up our sweet sacrifices of praise in a mid-tempo, soulful, heartfelt version of the song, with rich, scintillating music accompanying our sincere words.
Singing: ‘I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses, And the voice I hear falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses… And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! He speaks and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that he gave to me, Within my heart is ringing . . .
And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! I’d stay in the garden with Him though the night around me be falling. And He bids me go through the voice of woe, His voice to me is calling… And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known! (Repeat)’
As always, that was wonderful my people, no one can say that we didn’t mean what we sang. (smile) And what’s the song all about you ask? It celebrates the joyful companionship that the author experiences with Jesus as he walks through the garden. It seems that the song was inspired by the elation Mary Magdalene felt when she saw the risen Jesus.
As this commentary says: ‘One occasionally hears stories of someone who disappeared and was assumed dead suddenly reappearing to their family and loved ones in a joyful surprise. Imagine how much greater Mary Magdalene’s shock and elation was when Jesus, whom she had seen dead and buried three days earlier (Mark 15:40, 47), suddenly called her by name and she turned and saw Him, very much alive and in person (John 20:16). This hymn elaborates on the emotions she may have felt in that moment, when her grief was turned to joy.’
And according to John’s gospel early on the resurrection morning, Mary Magadalene was in the garden where Christ had been buried, and when she came to the tomb, it was empty, but two angels in white sat at the head and foot of where He had lain. ‘And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him. And when she had thus said, she turned herself back (turned around), and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? Whom seekest thou?
She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence (carried him away, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master (Teacher) Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not (don’t cling to me); for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and to my God, and your God. Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had spoken these things unto her.’ (John 20:13-18)
Oh my people, can you imagine how Mary Magdalene must have felt being the first to encounter Jesus in His risen state? I guess the first reaction might have been a touch of fear after the sadness of not knowing where his body lay. Then when the realization that He was indeed alive, really sunk in, it was one of such joy and elation that she could not control herself and clung to Him for dear life. As the song says: ‘And He walks with me, and He talks with me, And He tells me I am His own, And the joy we share as we tarry there, None other, has ever, known!’
And I guess that’s the truth, because she was the first one to see Him after His resurrection, and what joy could eclipse that of being the first person to see the Lord alive and embrace Him after His resurrection? Truly, none! And can you imagine how Mary felt when she heard Him call her name? The song explains it very nicely: ‘He speaks and the sound of His voice, Is so sweet the birds hush their singing, And the melody that he gave to me, Within my heart is ringing . . .’
Yes, for the rest of her life, she certainly would have remembered and treasured those few moments alone in Jesus’ company, and the sound of His voice when He called her name. And could it have been poetic justice that Mary was the first to see Jesus alive, since He had turned her demon filled life around and she had become a serious and sincere follower? Who knows?
But what I do know friends, is that all of us can experience tender moments like the song says, if we take the time to walk somewhere quietly with Jesus and simply listen to what He has to say to us, through His Holy Spirit that indwells us. But we need to make the time and effort to do it. Much LOVE!
…it’s easy to hear Jesus…just listen when He speaks…and He does speak…we just don’t listen hard enough…
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