Saturday, April 11, 2009

The Saturday after the Crucifixion...

I woke up thinking about the disciples and followers of Jesus today. Oh, the grief and despair they must have awakened with on the Saturday after Jesus, their leader and Lord, was crucified. I've suffered loss, but I don't think I can quite imagine how the Eleven and others must have felt the day after watching Jesus suffer torture and then be killed in the most horrific manner.

They also had other emotions going on besides grief. Many of them probably felt guilty for deserting Jesus in the garden. Poor, dear Peter was no doubt beside himself with regret. Mark 14:72 tells us he "broke down and wept" after the rooster crowed and he'd denied knowing Jesus three times. Others in the group were no less guilty though. They all ran away. I don't see any of them standing up for Jesus while Pilate and the High Priest questioned him.

Fear was something else they were dealing with the Saturday after Jesus died. Could they be next? What if the Sanhedrin and chief priests decided to go after everyone who was associated with Jesus? John 20:19 tells us about their fears: "On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, "Peace be with you."

But you and I know something the disciples and others didn't realize that day. At least not to the full extent that you and I know now:

JOY COMES IN THE MORNING!!

1 comment:

Betty said...

Yes, joy comes in the morning. We will each experience that morning when Heaven becomes our home. Tears and sorrow and pain and regret will be gone...forever. Still, in the todays of life....while we walk this shadowy valley, it's often hard to see to the other side of the mountains. It is then that the Spirit comes and brings us comfort and reassurance. Thank You, Lord, for You sacrifice.