Saturday, a Day of Waiting

 

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment. (Luke 23:50-56 ESV)

 

Holy Saturday, also known as Easter Eve or Black Saturday, is the last day of the Holy Week and comes one day before Easter Sunday. This day is very important for Christians all over the world because it is the day when Jesus Christ’s body was placed in the tomb after his crucifixion on Good Friday. Remember it was the Jewish Sabbath. This was a day when all of Israel was at rest. The disciples, fearful and confused, followed the law and did nothing that would be considered “labor.” They grieved, confused and in shock. There was no doubt of Jesus’ death. Now, nothing could be done. They retreated to their lodging and comforted one another with the necessities of getting ready to prepare Jesus’ body for final entombment.

 

I suspect all of heaven waited in shock as well. Angelic beings, powerful as they are, are not omniscient. They could not have known any more than the disciples. Jesus had told them that He would rise on the third day, but that simply had never happened. It was beyond their comprehension. They may have hoped, but they didn’t know. The silence must have been astounding. Of course, not all the angels were silent. Satan and his followers must have been dancing in celebration of their victory. What a surprise they were in store for at the end of this solemn day.

 

Take some extra time this day to be quiet and meditate on the greatness of this victory. You see, early on that Sunday morning, The Father in heaven called out for the rock to roll away and all of heaven watched in awe as His Son, Jesus, walked out in power and majesty! Everything had been done; all was right! That’s the heart of our Good News! Rejoice!