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Saturday, April 7, 2007
Between the crucifixion and the resurrection. Between despair and renewal. Between evil's apparent victory and Jesus' triumph. What must it have been like on that day? Did the remaining 11 disciples spend the day in shock- weary, drained, even perhaps feeling a touch of anger at being left behind? We know that they did not understand much of what Jesus said as He predicted His death. They weren't waiting at the the tomb on the third day, expecting Him to appear. Were they fearful of their own arrest? Could they eat? Did they weep? We look back now with the knowledge that "Sunday's comin'!" and miss the devastation that must have been present among Jesus' followers. People who expected great things- political overthrow, a new kingdom, physical freedom. People who listened to His sermons and parables without comprehending their true meanings. But the chief priests and Pharisees understood, for they were the only ones mentioned with an activity for that Sabbath day.
Maybe they considered, even for a just a moment, that Jesus was who he claimed to be. They had perhaps been witness to the tearing of the curtain before the Holy of Holies. They certainly had seen the sky blacken and experienced the earthquake. They could have heard the centurion's realization that this man was the Son of God. And yet, their pride, their human desire for control, their absolute certainty of their righteousness led them to Pilate. Were they really concerned about the disciples taking off with the body, or were they unsure of Jesus' seemingly sealed fate? The women who went to the tomb the following morning had spent the Sabbath in "obedience to the commandments". As they remained in their homes, or wherever they were staying, did they weep throughout the day? With so many regulations, the Sabbath must have seemed so long, especially this Sabbath. No cooking, no cleaning, no carrying certain amounts of weight, no mending, no washing. How did they pass the time? Despair settles easily and quickly in the midst of inactivity. Jesus had treated them as no other man ever had. They were worthy in his eyes. They had value. They were welcomed at his feet. How could they go on without him? I challenge us to sit in silence on this Sabbath day and feel the pain and the lonliness as we experience the between. Wonder at how long the day must have felt as we go about our business- the business of living. Their Lord was dead. They saw it with their own eyes. Touched His lifeless body. Prepared Him for burial and left Him in the dark tomb, alone. If we had been there, would we truly have believed that He would be coming back to life? If it happened today, could we suspend disbelief enough to dream it could be true? Be silent. Make your Sabbath meaningful. Look forward to tomorrow but remember what today means. Only in the between can we find the true glory of the resurrection. 
Comments:
Christine, that is so deep. We're never steered in that direction, to feel the heaviness of the hearts on those who loved the Lord and had to rely on faith. We rejoice in life, because we see through the darkness.
Christine,
There is much to be gain in the silence and I agree we don't often linger here because it is uncomfortable. Thank you for sharing the feelings of the disciples. They were devistated this day. They did not know Sunday was comin.
'Only in the between can we find the true glory of the resurrection.'
Amen sister...the blackest nights make for the brightest dawns... What a fantastic post for this special day!! :)
Christine,
Thank you! This comes just at the right time for me as I am in transition in ministry. Be still and know...is harder than it sounds! But also the most intimate time with our Lord! Have a great Easter, Sue
So true that hindsight is 20/20, we overlook the devastation/anger/sadness they felt this day. I have had had such a blessed day of listening to praise music and preachers to direct me to the cross. It has been a glorious day of reflection/remembrance.
Happy Easter.
What a great post Christine...without Friday and the cross we could not have Sunday or the resurrection...what a blessing!
Christine, what a wonderful post for 'between'.
I think you have hit the nail on the head. Why was it that none of His follows believed what He had told them about His resurrection. Why was it that the priests and Pharisees believed that He would rise. Something to ponder today on Resurrection day. He is Risen--He is Risen Indeed!
What darkness and sadness they must have felt on that day. They did not know what joy they would have the following day-only the deep despair of loss of their Savior. This is a wonderful post, Christine. Thanks for the wonderful thoughts! Blessings!
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