Matthew 27:57-66
Be Still: Lord, open my heart to hear from Your word. Amen
Read: Matthew 27:57-66
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there opposite the tomb. (v61)
Encounter: Have you ever watched fans vacate the stadium before the final whistle, when the outcome seems a foregone conclusion? Five goals down, five minutes to go – might as well beat the rush home. But, on rare occasions, in the fans' absence, their team pulls off a remarkable comeback, and their lack of faith causes them to miss an historic moment.
Reading these Passion passages, I’ve been struck by the fact that through the arrest, trial, and crucifixion of Christ, when all other disciples scattered, two women remained. I understood why they stayed while he hung on the cross. Perhaps they were hoping for that historic comeback before the final whistle. But now? After his final breath, they remain, opposite the tomb. Why?
Did they remember Jesus' words 'After three days, I will rise again.' (vs. 63) Yes, they had heard him cry, 'It is finished’, but did they sense it wasn’t over? So, on Saturday when everyone else scattered, they stayed. Were they holding on for the fulfilment of all he had said?
I find, what some call Silent Saturday a curious day! It doesn’t pack the emotional punch of Good Friday or the jubilant celebration of Resurrection Sunday. Yet, in all honesty, much of life feels like Silent Saturday – a liminal space between what God has said and what I see. Sometimes his promises seem closer, and sometimes further away.
Today, I am inspired by, and following the example of, the Marys.
I’m going to sit and focus on the tomb. The tomb that, for them, contained the lifeless body of the Lord, but for me is vacant and reminds me he came good on his word then, and will again. Every promise he has spoken over my life, and over yours, shall come to pass.
Apply: Call to mind any unfulfilled promises of God in your life, and as you do, imagine sitting opposite the empty tomb that once held Jesus. Ask the Holy Spirit to strengthen you in the wait.
Devote: Holy Spirit, give me a fresh revelation of the empty tomb, and strengthen my soul while I wait to see all you have spoken.