Saturday Lives

We are now in the season of Lent when many of us are intentionally finding space to contemplate and reflect on our need of a Savior and what Jesus endured so we could be forgiven and reconciled with God. This journey to the cross is rife with intense emotion and mystery. Each moment is filled with profound theological truths so deep our finite minds struggle to comprehend the wonder of what is happening.

This year I have been drawn to a moment I had not reflected on before. The Saturday after the crucifixion. I have tried to imagine what it would be like to be one of the disciples. Yesterday Jesus, their master, friend, rabbi, and hope was crucified. Today He lies in a borrowed tomb, wrapped in grave clothes. Confusion, disappointment, grief, and disbelief must be consuming their minds. How could this have happened? Why didn’t Jesus stop it? How could they go on without Him? All hope seems gone. The future is dark and uncertain.  Jesus is dead!

I wonder how many times you have experienced the “Saturday emotions” of the disciples when your hopes are dashed, the future is scary, and grief and disappointment abound…when your spouse asks for a divorce, when the doctor gives you a dreaded diagnosis, when the business fails, when the child makes negative life-changing choices. How do you react to these “Saturday emotions?” Do you give up, get angry with God? Or do you draw close to God, allow yourself to grieve in His presence as you choose to wait on Him and trust in His promises and providential care? These “Saturday experiences” are some of the most difficult journeys we are asked to endure.

But the good news is…our God is able and willing to turn all tragedy into triumph.

Our part is to wait, watch and remember that Sunday did come, and Jesus walked out of that grave defeating sin and death. The disciples were transformed into powerful men who changed the world with the gospel of the risen Lord. We can be transformed into people who live victoriously in faith even in the midst of difficult “Saturday” circumstances.

The reason we can do that is because we are now living “Sunday lives.” Lives of promise, hope, power, and significance all because Jesus lives! All our hopes, dreams, and promises, find their “yes and amen” in the risen Lord! So, when you are in the middle of a “Saturday experience,” hold on, wait, watch, believe, and trust because Sunday has come!

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10 (NIV)