Therefore my heart is glad, and my soul rejoices; my body also rests secure. For you do not give me up to Sheol, or let your faithful one see the Pit. Psalms 16:9-10 NRSV
Perhaps this has happened to you; a friend has just finished a book you want to read or watched a movie you want to see. Though you've made it clear in the conversation that you intend to read or watch, they inadvertently give away important plot details. We then either cross the item off our list, the joy of anticipation somewhat dimmed, or we proceed with our original plans knowing there are other plots and subplots within the story.
Our Lenten journey is like that. We've known from the start how it ends–and begins. (Spoiler alert, Christ beats death!) Each year as we go through this forty-day journey, we come to understand something new in the plot and subplots of the storyline. We hear something previously unobserved in Christ's teaching, appreciate the connections between the Old and New Testament, or simply experience God's faithfulness in a new way.
With certainty among the other lessons, we find new solace, confident in the knowledge that Christ is with us even in our darkest hour. Because Christ died for our sins, beat death, and rose again, we, too, have this hope. Though we have passed over to Sheol to all human appearances, that's not the end; it's just a brief moment compared to eternity.
This Holy Saturday, Christ lies in the tomb, he's dead yet for a little while, but it's not the end–not even close. Tomorrow the stone is rolled away, and Christ emerges, offering us new life. Not just after death but breathing new life into us right now.
Merciful and everliving God, Creator of heaven and earth, the crucified body of your Son was laid in the tomb and rested on this holy day. Grant that we may await with him the dawning of the third day and rise in newness of life, through Jesus Christ our Redeemer. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, U.S.A, 20th Cent. Alt.)
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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