The scene of after the cross is a very sad part of Luke’s story. It is that period where it seemed all was lost. It is also the theme, however, of one of the most hopeful statements used by preachers and evangelists through the centuries. “It is Friday, but Sunday is coming.” In the lives of Jesus’ followers, seeing their Messiah dead on the cross undermined all the hope and beliefs they had built though the 3+ years of His ministry. They were alone, afraid, and completely without hope. The one on whom they had rested their hopes and belief was now dead. The Jewish leaders were celebrating, Satan was gloating, and the Father now sat quiet.
We know the end of the story though! Jesus had previewed it several times for His guys. He would arise on the third day! But those hours in between would be difficult and seem paralyzing. In addition, even those that still had hope, faced the endless anticipation and fear of those next days. What if He did not rise? What if this is all there is? It is a debilitating fear that leaves one empty and lost. It is the same fear the Israelites had just before Moses came on the scene. It is the same fear they had as they marched around the walls of Jericho. It is the what the essence of faith entails. Believing in what has not been seen–yet.
We still deal with that fear. As we face these chaotic times, when all the principles and foundational beliefs we have are questioned, it is difficult to continue to believe and follow God. The great hope we have is the same hope that carried Israel out of Egypt, into the promised land, and back into a relationship with God our Father. In that same spiritual sense, we can hear the old tent revivalist say, “It is Friday, but SUNDAY is COMING!”
God Bless You
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
Walking With God 