On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (John 20:129-20 NIV)
Jesus was dead. There was no way around it. The man they thought was the Messiah, the One they thought would overthrow the Roman Empire, the One who was supposed to save Israel — He was gone. He was dead.
As Christians, we see the cross as a symbol of hope and victory. But can you imagine what it was like for the disciples? The shock. The betrayal. The despair. The fear. The confusion.
Maybe you can. Maybe a treatment you thought was going to help you wreaked havoc instead. Maybe you never thought you’d be better by now, but you aren’t. Maybe you’re grieving the unexpected loss of the person you used to be — of a life you used to live, of friends you used to have.
Like the disciples, you might find yourself asking “WHY?!” What is the purpose in this? Why now, after so much? Why the death of hopes, dreams, plans, relationships, abilities? What’s the point?
The disciples locked themselves in, grieving and waiting together. Though they did not know what. Their minds had been closed to understanding all of Jesus’ explanations about what had to happen. They didn’t realize He was going to be resurrected. They didn’t know the most wonderful event in all of history was right around the corner. They thought his death was the end.
I don’t know how long we’re going to have to wait for relief from our pain and the resurrection of things lost. Probably a bit longer than three days. But guys, take hope! We’re waiting for a purpose. There is something at the end of this waiting, be it a resurrection in this life or in the life to come. And it could be right around the corner, we just don’t see it yet.
Like the disciples, we will be overjoyed and God’s peace will be with us. It’s not a question of if, but when and how. The when and how might be different than we imagine, but God’s not done with us. He’s not done with you. Okay?
And He will help you in the waiting. In your three days, when it all seems for nothing. When the darkness closes in. When the sky is blood red and the earth is shaking and your hope is in a tomb. Because eventually, He will remove the grave clothes, and roll away the stone.
You will be able to eat your bread and fish, see your friends, and share amazing truth with them. Your resurrection will be for God’s glory. And it’s going to be amazing. But hang on in the waiting. I know it’s scary. I know you want to lock yourself away. But keep hoping. Keep waiting.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14 NIV)
Your resurrection is coming, and it might only be just around the corner.
Awesome Sara. When we are in the “now”, we don’t see the resurrection coming!
Exactly! 🙂 Glad you liked the post.
So, so true!