Holy Week - Saturday

Mark 15:42-47 This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached,  Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)  Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet.  The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid.

Jesus was in the grave.  His followers discouraged and scattered.  All seemed lost.  All was quiet that Sabbath.  Not the Passover celebration they had anticipated. The day of rest and worship must have seemed empty and hollow for the disciples that day.  How do you go on with life as usual when this type of life changing event has happened?  How do you go on when all you hoped for was dead?  

And there was silence.

Silence in the tomb.

Silence in the lives of the disciples.

Waiting. 

Not even sure they had the ability to hope again. 

And there was silence. 

God doesn't mind having us wait in the silence.  He knows it is good for us to wait and to listen.   It may even be good for us to struggle through the feelings of hopelessness.  It is definitely good for us to wait, even though no one likes the process.  

It is in the silence that we can hear from God.  It is after the waiting that God moves in incredible ways!