IT IS SATURDAY
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus.
Jesus' disciples did not know on that Friday what we now know. They did not know that Friday's tragedy would be Sunday's triumph. They would later confess that they did not understand that from the Scriptures that Jesus would rise from the dead.
"For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 4:14)
That is why what they did on Saturday is so important.
We do not know anything about this day; we have no Bible verses to read, no information to share. All we know is when Sunday came; the disciples were around.
Jesus was dead. Their Master's body was lifeless. Their Messiah, friend, and future were buried. But the disciples did not leave. Why? Were they waiting for the Resurrection? No. As far as they knew, Jesus was buried in a tomb. They weren't expecting a Sunday surprise. Then why were the disciples still there?
You would have thought they would have left in fear for their lives. The same men who crucified Christ would come after them. The people were pleased with one crucifixion; the religious leaders could have called for twelve more. Why didn't they get out of town?
Perhaps they were taking care of Jesus' mother, or maybe they were in shock and did not know what to do next. Maybe they didn't have any money, energy, or direction. Maybe all of the above.
Maybe they stayed because they loved Jesus.
To some people, Jesus was a miracle worker. To some, Jesus was a teacher. To some more, Jesus was the hope of Israel. But to Jesus' disciples, Jesus was all of those things and more. But to his disciples, Jesus was their friend.
You do not abandon a friend, not even when that friend is dead. They stayed close to Jesus. They had a habit of doing this. They were with Jesus in the upper room. They were with Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. They were at the foot of the cross at the crucifixion, and they were close to Jesus' tomb.
What would you do? When it is Saturday in your life, how do you react? How about in the middle of a pandemic? When you are between yesterday's tragedy and tomorrow's triumph, what do you do? Do you leave God, or do you stay near Him?
The disciples chose to stay. And because they stayed on Saturday, They were around on Sunday to see the miracle.
When you are faced with tragedy, do you leave God, or do you stay near Him?
Heavenly Father, because of the cross, I, too, believe that Jesus died and rose again, and You will bring with You those who sleep in Jesus. When I am between yesterday's tragedy and tomorrow's triumph, I will look to You. You are my strength, refuge, and I stay near You. I trust You with my life. I believe! In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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