Luke 23:48 (NIV)
When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.
The hope of the disciples and the people rested in Jesus was crushed when he ended up with a cruel death. From the time he died to being risen was a tremendously long dreadful day. The public spectacle of his crucifixion left the massive crowd with different emotions. It was an utterly gloomy event. The people “beat their breasts and went away.” What an anguish, regretful, remorseful outburst! How about us? What if we were one of them? How would we respond? What about our own long day? We know it full well to turn our eyes upon Jesus. Yet when we do, we don’t always see a promising future instantly.
During the distressing stretch of your long day, what do you do? How do you feel? Confront your mind, soul and spirit. Pause. Think. Fill in the blanks…
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The disciples were confronted by Jesus on the very next day when he was risen. He said to them, “How foolish you are, and how slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Messiah have to suffer these things and then enter his glory?” (Luke 24:25-26)
We fail to understand that when we look for Jesus and turn our eyes on him, suffering and “death” of what deems precious to us, and our life itself are not losses. In actual fact, it is the pathway to our glory in him. We must never forget the long dreary day we face at any point, if waited out with trust, endurance and the right attitude will usher us into glory with Jesus.
From Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday, Saturday is very long indeed. Perhaps our Saturday is long. Nevertheless, let us not beat our breasts in anguish and remorse. Do not be foolish. Be prepared to enter into the glorious plane from a gloomy pit.
“Heavenly Father, Jesus’ death has brought me life. I await this day with hope in my heart to see your glory in my life and beyond. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
© Pr Selina Khoo Lim, Gateway City Church, Penang. 11 April 2020.