“When it was evening, there came a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph who was also a disciple of Jesus. He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate ordered it to be given to him. So Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth and laid in in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and went away.” Matthew 27:57-60
For the Hebrew people, Saturday, not Sunday, was the day of Sabbath. From sundown on Friday to sundown on Saturday, and so it was the day of Sabbath that Jesus rested in the grave. Yes, even Jesus rested.
Today we are in that liminal space between the horror of Good Friday and promise of Resurrection of Easter Sunday. Today we are in that liminal space between Covid-19 and whatever new life is yet to come post Covid-19. It can be difficult to find rest amidst so much unknowing.
And yet, Holy Saturday, the Great Sabbath, is a day of rest, trusting that even in the dark of the grave, God is at work to bring about miracles. May you seek and find rest abundant for your own soul this day.
Holy God, grant us rest from our work, for our anxiety, from our fears, and from our worry. Help us to know and trust that you do some of your very best work in those that rest in your peace. In Jesus's name, Amen.
- Pastor Andy Bartel
Would you like to participate with Pastors Andy and Emily in providing devotionals to the congregation during the season of Eastertide? If so, please follow this format for submissions: A brief Scripture text, a 250-300 word reflection on the text, and a brief prayer. Submissions can be made through news.sjumc@gmail.com.