Pete Greig* points out to us that Holy Saturday is where most of us live most of our lives. Holy Saturday is the no-man’s land between the questions of Good Friday and the answers of Easter where prayers are uttered and miracles to come. It’s where we wait—with a peculiar mixture of faith and despair—whenever God is silent or life doesn’t make sense.
‘As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away.’
Matthew 27:57-60
Although this act put Joseph in danger from the authorities it was if he had enough of hiding, of being a closet disciple and if Jesus was willing to sacrifice everything for us, who deserve so little, surely he could do something for Him who deserves so much.
Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ
all too often we let you down
failing to give you the commitment you deserve
failing to declare our faith
when the opportunity presents itself,
though the spirit is willing the flesh is weak.
Like Joseph of Arimathea
we know we have repeatedly failed you,
But we know it’s never too late to make amends
Amen
Psalm 57…
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy!
I look to you for protection.
I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings
until the danger passes by.
Psalm 57:1
*Best-selling author, pastor and instigator of the 24-7 Prayer movement
