Saturday, March 31, 2018

Psalm 62:1-2 (ESV): My Soul Waits for God Alone

To the choirmaster: according to Jeduthun. A Psalm of David.

For God alone my soul waits in silence;

from him comes my salvation.

He alone is my rock and my salvation,

my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.

Reflection by: Don Schin, Board Chairman

“No Name Saturday“

I share my thoughts based from a sermon by pastor and author John Ortberg. Interestingly these three days mark some of if not the most important days in history. It shares the worst and the best the world has ever seen. A roller coaster of emotions. Two of the days are named – Good Friday and Easter Sunday. But what about Saturday? Was it unimportant? Inconsequential? Just another day between the darkest day in the history of the world which showed its sin, and the greatest day the world has ever known, when a Savior conquered death assuring us eternal life?

I think Saturday represents the “middle day” or days, of our everyday life. What do we feel during these ‘middle days’ when we are living through adversity and trials? The death of dreams, failure, loss, denial, loneliness, and despair. Our guests at the Mission know this know these feelings all too well. Often we think it’s over. We want to give up. Many do. Some terribly so, taking their lives. But for believers today, it shouldn’t be that way.

For the difference between the disciples and us is that, as Ortberg says, THEY didn’t know it was a 3-day event. But WE DO! We know that Jesus conquered the grave. We know, different than any other religion, our Savior and God lives. AND that He sent someone to be with us in His place, always, forever – the Holy Spirit. This is our Hope, this Hope is available for everyone, and it’s our ONLY Hope. So, wait on the Lord on this Saturday. Not in an inactive or passive fashion. Wait with great anticipation and expectation. Wait with faith and great joy! The God who created the universe, and who conquered death, is our Savior and our Father. His love for us is incredible, indescribable, always there, and never ending. It was there on Good Friday when He died on the Cross to take away the sins of the world. It was there on Easter Sunday when He rolled away the stone and rose from the dead inviting us to live with Him in Heaven forever. And remember, it is always there on “Saturday” as well, on OUR Saturdays or middle days, as we wait upon the Lord from whom comes our victory.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION

1. How do you think the disciples felt on this day, not knowing how the story ends the way we do?
2. The Lord’s timing is one of those things that can be a mystery to us humans. How can we increase our trust in God during times of waiting?

PRAYER GUIDE

1. Pray for the strength to wait and trust in God’s timing.
2. Pray for people who are in the “middle day,” that they would persevere and not despair.
3. Pray that you would be filled with anticipation today so that you can greet tomorrow with overflowing joy in the resurrection!