“Now there was a man named Joseph who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man. 51 (He had not consented to their plan and action.) He was from the Judean town of Arimathea, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God.]52 He went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a tomb cut out of the rock, where no one had yet been buried.” Luke 23:50-53 NET
God Almighty Victorious,
I am always tempted to open Easter eggs on Easter Saturday and not look at them longingly and wait till Sunday. Temptation is chocolate shaped. And Easter Saturday is kind of a between days, a no da Lord? Jesus died at the beginning of Passover which was Thursday night. Saturday was the third day Jesus was in the tomb. When nothing seemed to be happening. Had the disciples forgotten what Jesus said and were still in grief and not really waiting for a glorious resurrection dawn! For us it too is a waiting day.
Jesus disciples, family and friends stayed by the cross through three hours blackness, the shock of the Temple curtain being torn in too and seeing Your Son die.
We have that wonderful gift of hindsight. We are waiting but we are anticipating. Knowing His resurrection did come, death was vanquished (what a lovely word), defeated! Like the dying repentant thief we too have the promise of one day being with You, God (Father, Son and Spirit) in heaven.
Experience has taught me that when I seek God in prayer it is best to wait till He leads or speaks. Waiting is sometimes the hardest thing to do. It is easy when we are anticipation something wonderful like a holiday or going out for a meal. Today we can sit back and enjoy the anticipation of the coming Easter Sunday Morning! Help us to wait at other times with joy because You are a faithful, merciful and and prayer answering Father.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Father,
For our family, friends and neighbours. Give them Easter hope and joy.
For our nation, to retain the foundation of Your law of justice and mercy.
For there to be a respect for life in this nation and the world.
For all those waiting – for healing, operations, diagnosis, Your help, strength and good outcomes.
For weddings, births, holidays. Joy and a future.
For Ukraine, Gaze, Sudan, Myanmar places of conflict. Your light to lead to a way of peace.
For us to learn to wait when nothing seems to be happening.
For You to conquer the evil within that drives men and women to sin and harm.
For every single one of Your children in Christ to know the joy of the resurrection dawn.
For a day when we can wait upon You and receive what we need for today.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Saturday 30th March 2024
A worship conversation not to be rushed.
Here I am waiting
Abide in me I pray
Here I am longing, for You
Hide me in Your love
Bring me to my knees
May I know Jesus more and more
Come live in me
All my life take over
Come breathe in me
And I will rise on eagle’s wings
Lyrics: Reuben Morgan