Scriptures: Hosea 6:2 (NRSVUE) – “After two days he will revive us; on the third day he will raise us up, that we may live before him.” 

Luke 23:56b (NRSVUE) – “On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.”

Isaiah 41:10 (NRSVUE) – “do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God; I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”

Message: “What just happened?”  “How could this happen?”  “What’s it all about?”   We are not told a lot about the Saturday after Good Friday.  We can at least speculate some from the Scriptures.  They rested.  They sat with their thoughts.  Questions must have been swirling, yet God gives them this moment to reflect.

The Disciples didn’t know about Easter Sunday.  Although the Old Testament has three-day stories, their despair and uncertainty probably overpowered all capabilities to think straight.  Hope was lost.  They were hiding.  What do they do next?

When we experience tragedy, whether personally, in our community, in our country, or in the world, the day after can be so overwhelming.  You have that moment when you get a chance to think about what has transpired.  Emotions run high.  Hopelessness, hurt, anger, hate, fear, loneliness, and division are fighting for real estate in your heart and in your mind. 

We are currently experiencing this as a country.  I’m writing this after Renee Nicole Good was killed in Minneapolis.  The same questions the Disciples might have asked after Jesus died, are likely going through many folks’ minds: “Why?”.  As traumatic as the crucifixion was for the Disciples, we have knowledge of the third day.  Millions of people throughout our country and the world are out in peaceful protest – on the second day.  The third day reminds us that despair doesn’t have the last word.  Fear doesn’t have the last word.  Violence doesn’t have the last word, and because of Jesus’ resurrection, death does not have the last word. 

When I’m overcome with emotions, I hang onto a few of what I call “Strength Scriptures”.  Isaiah 41:10 is such a Scripture.  I encourage you to find your “Strength Scriptures” to carry you until the third day. 

Family Activity: Empty Tomb Rolls & Resurrection Cookies.

Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for the rest and reflection before the third day.  The resurrection of Your Son Jesus reminds us that only You have the final say.  Amen.

Debbie Babbage,To see 1 of 2