This wasn’t the way it was
supposed to end. No, the week that began with “Hosanna” didn’t end the way
anyone had wanted. I wonder if Jesus was surprised by the ending.
Low in the grave he lay. His
friends observe the Sabbath as observant Jews do. But their hearts are broken
into as many pieces as a heart can break.
Fear grips them, one eye always on the door, one ear listening for
approaching footsteps or pounding horse hooves.
Friday was not their best day. In fact, the way they retreated in the final
hour, they could not bear the thought of how they contributed to making it the
world’s worst day. Messiah is dead.
They review in their heads
his sermons. Collectively they try to piece them together, asking each other
how exactly he phrased those beautiful and ominous words. “When you hear of
wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the
end is still to come. Nation will rise up against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the
beginning of the birth pains.” (Mark
13:7-8, NIV) Yes, those were the words.
Is it possible that this is
not the end then? Dare we hope that the pain we feel, the fear with which we
face the world today could still be replaced with hope? The birth pains are just beginning, which
must mean that there are more pains of the birthing process to happen. But, is
the tomb of despair also a womb of delight?
On this Saturday, stirring in
the tomb which is a womb, the end is being written. Do not be deceived. What you see are just
signs that the best ending ever imagined is written on the last page. Do not be afraid. The life you live today,
the pain, the anguish, the stones which seemingly cannot be rolled away in your
life, will be moved.
It is Saturday. When life has entombed you on Saturday,
recall what He said, “…but the end is still to come.” Live for this ending. You
won’t want to miss it.
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