Good morning: We know what happened Friday. Last evening we heard the account of Jesus’ crucifixion: the betrayal and pretense of a trial, the badgering of Pilate, the crown of thorns, and finally the brutal execution itself with iron nails driven through the Lord’s hands and feet to hold him to the cross. We know the reason for such a death. Jesus was suffering the wrath of God for your sins and mine. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us” (2 Cor. 5:21). We know what will happen tomorrow. On the third day Christ rose from the grave in victory over sin, death, and Satan. But what about today, Saturday? While Jesus lay in the tomb, it was no doubt a time of reflection for both his enemies as well as his followers. His enemies gloated that finally after all their scheming and failed attempts, they had killed Jesus. Meanwhile, the Lord’s followers tried to put the pieces together and make sense of all that happened. For us may today be an “expectant pause.” It’s a time to stop and look back on the journey of this Lenten season. It’s a time to examine our hearts and lives, and then to look at the cross to see just how guilty we are and what Jesus endured for us. Today is an opportunity to look ahead with anticipation to the thrill of hearing the news, “He is not here. He is risen!” May the Spirit bless your preparations for the news to come. In Christ, Pastor Our Easter service begins at 9 a.m. tomorrow, followed by a brunch served by the men of the congregation. The choir and children will be singing in the service.
