Having done all, to stand.

 

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.