The Long Saturday

We've been studying John Ortberg's book, Who is this Man for the past several weeks at work.  Have you ever done a study with him?  He is really fantastic.  We've done a few of his video series and I have loved every single one.  Today's session, ironically the last one of the series, was a particularly inspirational message as it addressed the three days that changed the world - or as we like to call, Easter.

I look around and continue to see disappointment, tragedy and heartache among my family, my friends, acquaintances and even strangers.  Unexpected deaths, diagnoses of terminal diseases, job losses, divorce, the list goes on...  But, today I wanted to share a different perspective.

There are several examples of "three day stories" in the Bible.  You see how God brought a ram on the third day for Abraham, so he wouldn't have to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  Another example is with Jonah - rescued from the belly of the whale, on the third day.  And, the ultimate example is that of Christ's death. We all know the story.  In these three examples, we see a "trend" (although I've never seen it until today):  The first day is trouble - or death, the third day is deliverance and on the second day, there is silence. I believe most of us are in the middle of "Saturdays" - tragedy hit yesterday and today we wait.  We wait to hear from the doctors, we wait to see if a new job will roll around, we wait to finalize papers and we wait 'till we can meet our loved ones again on the other side.

We wait.

It's silent but also deafening.  It feels lonely.  It's dark.  It's emotional.  It's cold.  Most people feel forsaken on "Saturday", cause Friday was too shocking to think and Sunday feels like it'll never come.  But, I believe God is working, all the time - even on your (and mine) long Saturdays.  There is hope at the end of the week.  There is redemption for your soul, healing for your body, restoration for your relationships, there is forgiveness and grace. 

I don't know how many of you are spending your Monday - as a "Saturday" - but I hope this will offer some measure of hope for you.  GOD. IS. AT. WORK. 

Rest in the truth that, Sunday is coming....

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