Waiting...

Deus caritas est! “…God is love.” 1 John 4:16

As we enter this season of reflection and renewal, let’s rediscover God calling to His children, revealing His goodness, and transforming each one with Perfect Love. "This is real love – not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins" (1 John 4:10) ~ Donna Oswalt

And He departed from our sight that we might return to our heart, and there find Him. For He departed, and behold, He is here. St. Augustine

The Sabbath begins at sundown on Friday, and this one even more special as it is the beginning of Passover. Celebrated by the Jews according to the Old Testament, Passover recalls the time the plague of death 'passed over' their homes as they are delivered from Egypt. To prevent having all the firstborn males under two years of age die, they had to take the blood of the unblemished, sacrificial lamb and place it on the door frame of each house. (Exodus 12/complete text) But this particular Passover the Lamb of God is sacrificed, Christ's blood shed for all.


And so, because it was the day of preparation before the Passover and since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there. John 19:42

Just before sundown Friday, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, secret disciples of Jesus, ask Pilate for Jesus' body, quickly prepare the body, and carefully place Him in the tomb. Fearing the Jewish leaders, these two members of the Jewish High Council had been keeping their following of Jesus a secret until now. Jesus' body lies in the tomb as Passover begins.

There is little written about that Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath that falls between the crucifixion on Friday and the resurrection on Sunday. There would be no work, only time for worship and rest. For those who mourn Jesus's death, there is much time for reflecting on recent events, remembering of times shared, recalling of countless miracles. They do not understand. They wait.

READ John 19:38-42

consider this!

- What risks did Joseph and Nicodemus take?

- What thoughts might the disciples have during this time?

- Does Jesus live within my heart? If yes, do I ever keep it a secret?

Lord - What happens when the world denies You, and I keep silent? What happens when the world mocks You, and I turn away? You must week at my selfish response. What happens when You offer hope that is eternal, and I do not share this Good News? What happens when You love with amazing grace, and I do not share this forgiveness? You must weep at m casual faith. Forgive me when weakness wins the battle inside my soul. In these times of struggle, I call to You and always find You waiting for me. Amen. -dho

All rights reserved; copyright 2017 by Donna Oswalt/Co-Founder of Mangrove Ministries/Christian blogger and author;  Breathing Room For My Soul (blog)~ Follow on Twitter @soulchat

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