Easter Saturday – what does it all mean?
“What does it all mean?” might well have been a question
that the disciples were asking after that first Good Friday, a day of torment
and death and despair for them. They were left alone, their hopes for a
triumphant overthrow of the Roman Empire in disarray, the groundswell of faith
in Jesus by the populace now dispersed. After the miracles, the triumphant
entry into Jerusalem, the adoring crowds, everything had suddenly changed. They
were alone, threatened, deserted by the One they had come to love and trust.
Judas had betrayed Him. Peter had denied Him.
What could they do? We know that for the most part, they
remained together, sharing the comfort of friendship. John in particular had
been given the responsibility by Jesus to care for Mary, His mother. The
womenfolk made preparations for anointing Jesus’ body.
Perhaps some amongst their number recalled what Jesus had
told them during their last meal together on the night when He was betrayed. John’s
gospel records Jesus saying:
“Before long, the world will not see
me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live.” John
14:19
And
“Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a
little while you will see me.”” John 16:16
And
“But the
Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will
teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave
with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do
not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:26,27.
Perhaps as they
mourned their loss, Jesus’ words came to them anew. They were puzzled and
wondering when Jesus spoke them but in their bewildered state, perhaps the
recollection of all that Jesus had spoken of to them on that last night was
recalled, to generate the first seeds of hope and expectation. They did not
know what would happen, but they had the promises of God to rely on. The
following days and weeks were to prove that they could trust Jesus totally.
So it is with us.
We may be in situations where we cannot see the way forward. All is lost and
hopeless. This is when God reminds us that there are times when all we need to
do is wait upon Him. The apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the Ephesians
church that we are to arm ourselves with God’s weapons – truth, righteousness,
readiness, faith, salvation and the sword of the Holy Spirit; and then stand
firm.
“ Therefore
put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may
be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. “ Ephesians 6:13
Like the
disciples, wait, pray, take comfort from the fellowship of like-minded
Christians. Jesus is coming with more miraculous power and strength than you
could ever imagine.
May you be
blessed by the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and the
fellowship of God’s Holy Spirit this Easter.
