On this Holy Saturday, I can’t help but think of Jesus’ disciples, family, and close friends who had such love for and faith in Him.  They had seen Him perform miracle after miracle, and now He’s dead.  Surely they had prayed fervently for His deliverance as He suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers.  No doubt they had pleaded with God to save Jesus as He hung tortured on the cross.  They heard the taunts of “He’s saved others, now let Him save Himself!” and in their hearts I imagine they must have agreed.   And yet, He died.  How devastated, confused, and completely grief stricken they must have been!

Even though we know the end of the crucifixion story, we too experience unexpected deaths–sometimes literally when someone we love dearly is diagnosed with cancer or some other incurable illness.  We’ve seen through eyes of faith the many miracles and healings of Jesus, so we cry out fervently to the Great Physician believing in His power to heal.  And yet, they die.

Or maybe the unexpected death is that of a hope or dream.  We find ourselves in what seems to be a near perfect scenario, one that honors God and fulfills deep desires within us.  We commit our lives fully to living for God’s glory in this relationship or calling, then suddenly, it’s over.  The dream is dead.

We, like those close to Jesus at the time of His death, find ourselves devastated, confused, and grief stricken.  We are often unsure what even to do next.  May we remember, as our brothers and sisters of old discovered, resurrection day is coming.

In the crushing, in the pressing, You are making new wine.

In the soil I now surrender; You are breaking new ground.

So I yield to You and to Your careful hand;

When I trust You I don’t need to understand.

Make me Your vessel.

Make me an offering.

Make me whatever You want me to be.

I came here with nothing, but all you have given me.

Jesus, bring new wine out of me.  (New Wine, by Hillsong Worship)