The death of their Savior had to be the most horrific day in the life of Jesus’ followers; however, as Saturday rolls in, one ponders the aftermath or “What will we do now?”  We’ve had those moments in which the seemingly impossible has occurred, and we worked through the initial chaos, but the “after” becomes a challenge we can’t seem to wrap our minds around.  Do we give up?  Fight? Move? Follow something else more safe and secure? Do we fall into a depressive state? Does fear become our companion and rule over us?

The disciples left everything to follow Jesus and now he was dead.  Ringing in their minds were the words, “Come, and follow me, and I will make you fisher’s of men!”  Yet, there they were hiding from the world and soldiers who may kill them for following Jesus.

I’ve always thought of the Saturday after the cross as a time of waiting.  It’s almost as if the Saturday is a symbol of our “life wait”–the time before Christ’s return.  Resurrection occurred, and because of this, we have life abundant!  However, earth is not our eternal home–heaven.  We are awaiting greater things to come.

In the waiting, what do we do?  We all know to read our Bibles, pray, share Jesus’ love with others, assemble with other believers, and forgive as you have been forgiven.

This Saturday, Jesus took me to a man you might not know–Joseph of Arimathea.  He was a Sanhedrin priest and a member of the council.  He was a prominent man in society and had the power to negotiate with political figures. Anyone who died by way of crucifixion, was not allowed a proper burial.  Their bodies were typically thrown in a garbage heap and furthered shamed even in their death.

But God used Joseph to do an amazing act of kindness! He helped to remove Jesus’ body from the cross, wrapped him in linen, and laid him in his own tomb.  His kindness and courage allowed Jesus to have a proper burial.

This expensive gift reminds me of the woman who poured her life savings of perfume/oil on Jesus to show how much she loved him.  She prepared Jesus for his burial.  Oh the sweet smell of Jesus as He was abused by men.  I’ve often thought of that sweet smell–the fragrance of Christ–pouring forth with His blood.

Joseph followed her in generosity. No longer did he have a proper burial for himself–he gave away his own tomb!  I wonder, did he come to know Jesus and realize that a tomb was not needed for himself?  My eternal resting place will be with you, Jesus, in heaven, the moment my life ends on earth!

EXTREME FAITH GIVES US THE COURAGE TO DO THE IMPOSSIBLE!

This side of the cross we read about these two amazing people of faith, and we are challenged; however, during the act of kindness and generosity, they were rebuked and challenged.  We can’t deny that God empowered them and the Holy Spirit led them.

Today, in the waiting, what act of kindness, or generous act can you extend even if it goes unnoticed or challenged?  It doesn’t have to be a monumental act of bravery–small things matter to God.  Small things are huge in the Kingdom of Heaven.  It could be the very thing that brings joy, provides answers, gets someone through one more day, or maybe leads them to know Jesus’ love for them.

Lacking the motivation or courage?  Remember this….

 Revelation 1:18

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

You serve a God who knows exactly where you are and will give you the strength and courage when it’s needed. He is alive in YOU!

Sunday is coming!  Praise the Lord!