Living in the in-between. We are there; in-between what used to be and what is to come. Remembering the days before when we took hugs for granted. Looking forward to the day when smiles will be enjoyed face to face.
We are somewhere in-between, waiting.
We know a new day is coming.
It cannot stay this way forever.
We trust that a sunrise will reveal a new day.
The disciples and the followers of Jesus lived during the in-between too. It was the day after the crucifixion but the day before the resurrection. It was a day of confusion, sadness, disbelief. Are we really here? Did Jesus really die? Is this really all there is? But glory be, it was not over…
Luke 23:44-56
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, 45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.
47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” 48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin. 55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.
There was a day in-between where they could do nothing but rest. I am sure their minds were full of questions, doubts, and regrets. And yet, there was nothing they could do but wait, and remember. I wonder if the disciples called to mind all the things Jesus had told them.
John 14:25-27
25 “All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.
John 16:31-33
31 “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. 32 “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone.Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. 33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
We’ve all been scattered to our own homes. We are not alone though. Jesus is with us, reminding us of all he told the disciples that is still true for us today. We can take hope in these same words that Jesus spoke for they are life and truth. Tomorrow we celebrate the resurrection, but today we rest and remember.
