Saturday 4/11
From Pastor Ken...
The Disciples Grief...
Scripture goes silent from the moment of Jesus' burial until Sunday morning.
It was the Jewish Sabbath so most of the people continued to celebrate the Passover Festival and the Sabbath.
Not the disciples. Grief, shame, guilt, confusion, regret. Everything they hoped, everything they gave up, and everything they failed at Thursday and Friday came crashing in on them. John 20:19 says they were locked in for fear of the Jewish leaders.
How long would their grief, loneliness, and despair last? Could they ever find a normal life again?
Are you living in Saturday's grief with the disciples? Are you wondering if a new life will ever 'rise' again for you?
In Mark 15:37-38, the curtain of the Holy of Holies was torn in two from top to bottom when Jesus breathed his last breath. The curtain separated humanity from God's presence. When Jesus died, the separation ended. Now, nothing can separate us from the Love of God.
I am not sure how long Saturday lasts for us in our struggles and grief. I imagine it is different for each situation and person. But it is real and it does lock the doors on us from joining in on living life to its fullest.
Sunday is coming. Jesus brings new life to you and to me. Hold on and when Mary comes knocking at the door and says that Jesus is alive, believe. When Jesus comes and stands in the midst of the room because the doors are locked, believe and cherish his presence.
Sunday is coming. Saturday will be long and difficult but in Christ, you will overcome.
'No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.' Romans 8:37-39
Together in Christ.