Luke 23:56 “Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.”
Their friend, teacher, prophet, and leader has just suffered a horrible death. Some of the men witnessed it from a distance. Others hid away in the shadows.
The women, the faithful, loving women, stayed with Jesus to the end. Only after he is in the tomb and the rock rolls across the door, do they return home to prepare the spices. It will be their job to ready the body. But first, they will rest on the Sabbath. Because they are tired? No, because they are faithful.
It is of interest to note, there is not one passage in the Bible that reports the activities of the disciples and followers of Jesus on that Saturday. The record is silent. Not one word; except here in Luke. What more can be said?
In the face of all that is terrible, they were dutiful.
In the presence of tragedy, they remained true.
In spite of their fear, they stayed faithful.
In the midst of their grief, they were obedient.
In the shadow of the cross, the followers of Jesus kept the commandment. In the presence of doubt, they stayed true to the Word. What a wonderful example they provide of their love for God, even in the face of diversity.
Dear God,
On this day, between sorrow and joy, help our hearts to be faithful, our lives to stay true. May we prepare for tomorrow by remaining devoted to you, today. AMEN.
copyright 2005 C. Curtis Austin, a 2BlackDogs Production
Tomorrow: A New Beginning.
