Day 46 – Behind Closed Doors: Waiting

“Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the Commandment” 
(Luke 23:56). 

 There are few details about what was acquired between Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday. What we know is that Jesus died, and the disciples locked themselves behind closed doors in fear of the Jewish rulers (John 20:19). For good reason, because the Chief Priests and the Pharisees met with Pilate and asked him to order that the tomb be sealed to prevent the disciples from stealing Jesus’ body (Matthew 27:62-66). After the resurrection, these same religious leaders would bribe the guard to lie and spread rumors that the disciples had stolen the body from the grave (Matthew 28:11-15). Strange as it may sound, those who killed Him had a greater belief in the resurrection than His disciples.  

We know this detail about Saturday because it was the Sabbath, and the women were following the commandments according to (Luke 23:56).  

The most striking thing about Saturday is that no one expected a resurrection. All four gospels tell the same story of how shocked and confused the women were when they discovered the tomb was empty on Sunday morning. Beloved, no one was waiting on Sunday because they believed that Jesus would be risen from the dead, even though He had told them He would. After the brutal death on the cross, no one thought His prediction would come true. At best, that would have been wishful thinking.  

In the words of Bishop T. D. Jakes, the message of Holy Saturday is “Get ready, get ready, get ready”. Something is about to happen. It may be Saturday, but Sunday is coming; we are moving toward Easter. All we have to do is hold on just a bit longer, and Sunday will be here. 

Brothers and Sisters, yesterday, our Lord was crucified. Today, His body lies in the tomb. Tomorrow, He rises from the dead. Saturday can seem long – and it is – but be of good cheer. The crucifixion is behind us. Saturday will not last forever. Sooner than we think, Sunday will be here. Beloved, when Jesus walked out of the tomb, all of His people walked out with Him.  

Oh, beloved, believe this – We are Easter people, marching from Good Friday through Holy Saturday on our way to Easter Sunday. We have not quite made it yet, but we are moving in the right direction. 

Yes, it is Saturday, but Sunday is coming. Let that thought give strength to your weary soul and bring joy to your heart today. 

 O, Lord, waiting is so hard. And waiting is what this day is all about. Grant us faith while we wait, so we will not lose heart, but we will be ready to rejoice when Sunday finally comes. Amen.