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The Sabbath Between



" It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three, because the sun's light failed. The curtain of the sanctuary was split down the middle. And Jesus called out with a loud voice, 'Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit.' Saying this, he breathed his last..."

"... It was the preparation day, and the sabbath was about to begin. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed along and observed the tomb and how his body was placed. Then they returned and prepared spices and perfumes. And they rested on the sabbath according to the commandment."

Luke 23:44-45, 54-56

Immediately after Passover, a spiral of events of great eternal importance takes place: Jesus withdraws for fervent, bloodlike prayer, Judas betrays, Jesus is arrested, beaten and mocked, sent for trial, the crows turns and demands his crucifixion, men in power give in, nails pierce, the veil is torn, and while Jesus' body lays in a tomb... the people must rest.

Sabbath is a big deal. That day of rest was not "ish". Everyone had to prepare what they needed the day before so that on the sabbath day they could be still.

Can you imagine THIS sabbath? Can you imagine the deep, deep stillness that would have engulfed them, knowing Jesus was DEAD, and there was nothing they could do- even to mourn?

How perfectly symbolic this situation is for us! The blood Jesus spilled that day is what our whole lives are built on. The curtain that tore gave us access to God like never before. And right now, we have to be still.

In our stillness, let us remember the hope we have in what Jesus has done and is doing FOR US. Let us be reminded, on the sabbath between crucifixion and resurrection, that it is HIS work we build our lives on!

What a Mighty God we serve.


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