March 30, 2024 - Luke 23:53, 55-56, 24:1-4a

“Then he took the [Jesus’s] body down from the cross and wrapped it in a long sheet of linen cloth and laid it in a new tomb that had been carved out of rock. As his body was taken away, the women from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law. But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. As they stood there puzzled…” Luke 23:53, 55-56, 24:1-4a NLT

Jesus, when we read this story, I wonder what these ladies were feeling. I know they were obviously heartbroken and grieving after having watched your death, their friend and son. But I would also suspect they were confused over your death. You were supposed to be the savior who came and established your kingdom. You were supposed to be the fulfillment to the prophecies they had been long awaiting. They probably felt like all hope was lost. Not only were they grieving your death but the death of the dream of all you represented. They were probably questioning so many things.

Lord, even though you told them you would rise again in 3 days, they didn’t understand or expect that. How often are we guilty of the same thing when plans don’t go as we expected? Do we begin to doubt and question you and things you spoke over our lives? Help us learn to trust you even if it looks like the dream or the vision has died. You have an amazing ability to raise things from the dead. Help us to always keep our faith and trust deeply rooted in you and wait in eager expectation of what is to come, for tomorrow might be the 3rd day.

In Jesus name, amen.