The day after, the day before

Think about Saturday, the day after the crucifixion. This day was different. The trial, the crowds, the drama of Christ upon the cross was past.

The disciples were overwhelmed. Judas was gone. The eleven and those close to them had spent three years with the most powerful person in all of human history. Try as they might they could not anticipate his next move or deed. Now, his striking presence was gone. It appeared their hopes and dreams had evaporated before their eyes.

The Roman leaders were most likely relieved that this whole mess was behind them. But there was the Centurion who knew that a great wrong had been done. And, of course, there was Pilate, perhaps still washing his hands, still haunted by the face-to-face encounter with the Lord of the universe.

Next were the Jewish leaders. All of their planning and treachery that brought them success culminating in the death of Christ left them uneasy and filled with apprehension. They urged Pilate to seal the tomb and place a guard in front of the tomb to thwart any attempt to steal the body away. They had what they wanted but they knew something was not right.

Most likely, sleep did not come to many that Saturday night. They thought things were over, but somehow they knew it was not true. The unspoken question still hung heavily in the air. What would Sunday bring?

You and I have days like this, a day of anti-climax after upheaval and dramatic circumstances. What’s next? This is where faith matters.

Faith is based on belief, not circumstances. The disciples had all of the promises, all of the information they needed to be encouraged. But they looked only at how they viewed their circumstances. They were in deep despair. They had lost hope.

Compare that dark Saturday to the days when circumstances overwhelm you. The circumstances only tell part of the story. Just like the disciples, you need the promises and truth of Scripture to understand what is really going on.

Remember the words of your risen Savior – he will never leave you or forsake you! Sunday is coming.

 

Shepherd Press