That Saturday

Saturday, as we tooled around town joyfully celebrating my nephew's birthday, that Sabbath day so long ago frequently entered my mind. I could not help but consider the state of the eleven disciples even in a flurry of activity. My mind would suddenly be drawn back in time to that dreadful day when all hope was lost; dreams shattered; joy vanquished.

That had to be the longest day in all of history. That interminable Saturday between the Crucifixion and the Resurrection. As Jesus lay in the tomb (in silence - darkness - death) the disciples lingered in their mourning. Numb in the aftermath of the impossible.

I found myself frequently giving thanks that I am living in this post-resurrection period. But am I really? Living, that is. Do I live like the resurrection has already happened or do I live like it were that awful Saturday all over again?

Can you imagine living in a world without Jesus? Can you fathom the expectations of a nation that has waited thousands of years for the fulfillment of a promise, only to seemingly fail? One day you witness the miraculous powers of a man you believe to be God's Messiah and now he lays lifeless. And what was Lazarus thinking?

Saturday my life and plans happily carried on because I knew the celebrating that awaited me Sunday. And now here we are. Living in the advent. Waiting for our Lord - but in a whole different way. Thankfully. In Christ, we know what to believe and Whom to believe.

Father God; I am so thankful to live in a world where Jesus lives - in the victory, joy, and hope of a post-resurrection era. Help me to remember to live like it. Help me to live in the light and power of that Resurrection Sunday as opposed to the seeming darkness and defeat of Crucifixion Friday. Keep our faith and our hope alive and alert in these days of waiting. In the name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, I pray. Amen.