April 10, 2004



"…and on the Sabbath they rested
according to the commandment."
(Luke 23:56)

It was the Sabbath. This day set aside for worship was filled with discouragement and disillusionment for the disciples. They did not really understand what was happening.

For as yet they did not understand the Scripture,
that He must rise again from the dead. (John 20:9)

How could they worship? What could they to say to God when they prayed?

They had misunderstood how the Lord would set up His Kingdom and they thought His life had been taken even though He had told them in very clear terms:

"…I have the authority to lay it down and I have the authority to take it up again…" (Jn. 10:18)

Although He had told them many different times, in many different ways, what they had seen was so overwhelming that they lost perspective. The beatings were so violent; the suffering was so intense; the crowds were so angry and they could do nothing to stop it. On this day intended for worship, they were ashamed and traumatized.

So, they waited. Perhaps they discussed their options; perhaps they cried. But worship was probably hard for many that Sabbath day in Jerusalem.

Often the dark clouds of pain and suffering make us just like them. We think the sun isn't even there. During these times worship songs are hard to sing and feelings make us think that evil has overcome the purposes of God!

What if we could see our dark days from heaven's perspective? The day after Friday, and before Sunday, is a hard to day of waiting. But, we must never forget God's purpose will always win!

"…no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. (Job 42:2)

Resurrection is near. Sunday is coming!

What about the people who will join us for the Easter Services? Do they really understand what Resurrection Sunday brings to the overwhelmed heart?

Father,
Waiting is so hard…especially when it is dark and disappointment overwhelms us. Give us faith to trust You and Your ways.

We take You at Your Word. We know that nothing can separate us from Your love.

Speak to those who need to hear the message of Resurrection.
In Jesus' Name, Amen!