Friday, we celebrate “Good Friday”, and Sunday we celebrate “Resurrection Sunday.” Recently I heard someone call Saturday “Black Saturday.” Why? Well, it was a day of deep grief and depression for Jesus’ disciples. They had just witnessed the most grueling, horrific display of execution the world had ever known, and not to a stranger but to the One whom they had grown to deeply love and know as God in the flesh. Hopes no doubt were dashed. Disappointment was at an all-time high in their hearts. It was the day after “Good Friday” and the day before “Resurrection Sunday.” The One they had learned that Jesus was God in the flesh had just been annihilated right before their eyes! Was God dead? One can hardly blame their utter despair.
How many of you have had a “black Saturday” season in your life? I know I have. It’s a moment when time can feel suspended because of the trauma that swiftly took your breath away and God has been very quiet and even “non-existent” in a tangible sort of way. Is God dead? Does He even know what happened?
I imagine the disciples of Jesus were steeped in darkness the day after Jesus’ death. In Mark 16:10, we are told that those who had been with Jesus were mourning and weeping. In the Geek this kind of grief was very expressive. There was wailing and sobbing that could be heard. Talk about having one’s hope dashed! The disciples were also filled with great fear according to 20:19. They feared the Jews. Remember that the disciples fled and left Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane right when the soldiers apprehended Him. It says they left Him and fled in 26:56.
How often have you found yourself in this spot? A moment when what you thought was going to happen didn’t. As a matter of fact it not only didn’t happen, it went violently wrong in your eyes! You are literally flattened and side-swiped on the spot! You then enter into a season where your emotions are raw and the peace of God took flight like a flock of geese!
Think of Abraham ready to sacrifice Isaac before God provided the ram. Or Joseph wrongfully accused of seducing Pharaoh’s wife sitting in a prison cell. What about Job sitting in his utter calamity being one who always fear the Lord? In Job 42 it tells us that the Lord increased all that Job had twofold and blessed the end of his days more than the beginning. Wow.
“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil;
for Thou art with me.”
Psalms 23:4
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32
Jesus prays for us. We aren’t always spared the pain, but Jesus is praying for us. He is praying right now for you that your faith would not fail you. He is praying that you hang on to hope. He is extending you the power and comfort to keep going and gain strength and courage as you go.
Remember, your end will be better than your beginning as you link arms with the One who loves you most!
If you wish to make this life-change now, just tell Him. Tell Jesus you are sorry for how you have lived your life. Ask Him to cleanse you of all sins. Tell Him you want to follow Him and do what He tells you to do from this day forward. Ask Him to fill you with His love. Breathe deeply, and let the rivers of living water wash over you. It’s a new day. He will come and make His home with you now. As you confess Jesus Christ as Lord, your eternal address will be changed to heaven.
voiceoutofthewind 