I know that we are now on this side of the good news of Resurrection Sunday. But for some reason, over the last few days I have thought a lot about what Saturday must have been like. You have the crucifixion -- which must have sent Jesus' disciples into a state of utter confusion. And you have Resurrection Sunday -- which must have been thousands of times more exhilarating than we feel when we watch our favorite team come back from a 20 point deficit to win in the last seconds.
But what must Saturday have been like? I don't mean to be depressing because we know the end of the story. But can you even imagine what Jesus' followers must have felt like that day? As the reality of previous days kicked in. I'm sure they were scared out of their wits. I imagine they had begun taking inventory of their own lives. 3 years wasted? My bet is they were probably angry too. Angry at the Jews. Angry at the Romans. Angry at themselves. But maybe most angry at Jesus. Had they been so easily duped?
Don't you know that Jesus must have wanted to come back earlier to comfort them? My guess is His heart was breaking as He watched their pain. What a sorry Sabbath day it must have been.
But that made Sunday all the better. And 2,000 years later -- it ought to continue to make "the Lord's Day" (the apostle John's words) extra special.
Which makes me think (this could be dangerous): When we partake of the Lord's Supper each Lord's Day -- we have traditionally said it is to remember His death. I certainly agree that is part of its purpose. But if we are only to commemorate His death, why not take the Supper on Friday or Saturday. No, we take it on Sunday! Resurrection Day! Victory day!
He is risen! Praise the Lord -- He is risen!
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4 comments:
Just my own opinion but I think it's good we take it on "celebration day" because without remembering what the celebration cost, we can easily lose touch with the joy of the celebration. I come to the resurrection with much more joy because I remember the price that had to be paid.
I appreciate Mel Gibson's "Passion" movie if only because it gives me a visual representation of the price that was paid for me. I can't imagine the agony, I can't fathom the pain but I have a deep appreciation for what it gives me on this side of the cross.
If you'll excuse I'll remain on my hobby horse - you know the one that calls for an in depth study of communion to make certain our practice is consistent with biblical teaching regarding content and meaning. There, I feel better.
I, too, believe an indepth study would be appropriate!
On another note, I love remembering the empty tomb while the cross is really hard for me to dwell on - what a sacrifice! I am blessed to be part of a fellowship that chooses to remember these events every week and I personally love celebrating Easter in a special way once a year.
Saturday?
1. Roman soldiers thinking they were wasting their time guarding a dead man.
2. The "religious" were keeping their fingers crossed that He would stay in His tomb.
3. The disciples were hiding behind a locked door, hoping they would not meet the same fate of Jesus.
Sunday must have been extraordinary!!!!!
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