Acceptable Service

While reading about the events surrounding the life, death and particularly the resurrection of Jesus, I found it a sobering thought that God would make such a great sacrifice for fallen humanity. Well, we always hear about it, we often read about it, but this time it was different. As I read John 20:17, a question came to my mind, "what is acceptable service?" Dependent on the reader, my assumption is that the first text that comes to mind is Romans 12:1
Body = Living sacrifice (holy);
Living Sacrifice (holy) = (log-ik-os) Reasonable/ Rational Service to God;
Reasonable/ Rational Service to God = Acceptable to God

Back  to John 20:17 Mary (Magdalene) is grief stricken, and while she weeps at the tomb, she learns and sees that Jesus is alive. In her plight to worship Him, she hears the words "Touch me not; 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." It seems a bit harsh, I mean here is a woman who has just learnt that her Lord who was dead is now alive and just wants to worship the Saviour, why couldn't she?

As much as Jesus appreciated the gesture shown by Mary Magdalene, He had not yet presented himself to God the Father to ascertain that His sacrifice for us was accepted. This comes out quite strongly to me that Jesus did nothing except that He knew it bore the Father's approval. While on earth Jesus had been obedient to His Father, He walked with God daily and His service was acceptable. Jesus bore testimony of Rom 12:1 till death, even after His resurrection. The rest I leave with you, is your service acceptable to God?