Imagine yourself as one of the many in Jerusalem all those years ago. Yesterday was a day like no other! Actually, it was a week of crazy contrasts! Just a few days earlier there was so much excitement as people lined the streets to welcome Jesus and hail Him as King. Then, there was all the commotion in the Temple! Tables crashing, doves meant to be sold for sacrifice fluttering off, some men cowering, others shouting. This Jesus was not politely expressing His displeasure, He was passionate in His anger, and the religious leaders were furious at Him! Jesus continued to teach those who would listen, His words bringing hope to some but fueling hostility in others. Those confronted (perhaps feeling guilty) were the most incensed by His words.
Then, yesterday was the trial before Pontius Pilate. A known murderer, Barabbas, was released and instead, this same Jesus was convicted. The people who had hailed Him as their King just a few days before, now shouted their desire to have Him crucified!
Today, it is the Sabbath and all is quiet. Jesus had died and His body buried.
It is so silent. What is going to happen now?
The followers of Jesus, even His closest disciples, were in hiding. Jesus had taught them what would happen, but now life seems so dark and confusing! Were they all mistaken, following this Rabbi from Nazareth? Why would YHWH allow His Son to die a criminal’s death?
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In our own journeys of life, we experience those times of silence. Times when it seems we are waiting, not knowing what to do, fighting fear or succumbing to it. Doubt creeps in like a cold mist, settling in our hearts; chilling the fervor of the beliefs we so passionately had embraced.
The crisis, the fury, the storm has passed; but now the waiting.
Psalms 27:14 “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.” (NIV)
In contrast to one living in Jerusalem at that time, we know how the story of the Passion Week ends. But, are we still living today in that “silence” and uncertainty of Saturday? It is important to remember the truths we have heard! In times of waiting, remember what you know to be true, and hold on! Take heart, and wait for the Lord!