Sabbath

I do not express myself well. One of the nicest friendships I ever made was with a lady who was offended by something I wrote. It was too short, trying to get a big concept into limited space. Much of the internet is that way – we see written words, not thoughts and feelings. We answer on the surface, not looking into depth. When that lady and I exchanged longer, deeper communications, understanding came as well as a friendship we both appreciate.

The connection to the graphic is that these two authors came to their books as atheists. Lee Strobel as an investigative reporter, J. Warner Wallace as a homicide investigator. They express themselves very well. They are used to delving deeply, searching for facts to refute what might appear as truth on the surface.

That’s what Christ asks that we do, search – many do not:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:39-40)

That Sabbath following Jesus’ death on the cross must have been the worst day in their lives. They had given everything to follow Him, focused on an earthly kingdom. They fully expected to reign with Him here on earth. All that hope was crushed because they did not search the scriptures. They did not recall what He told Nicodemus:

And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. (John 3:14-15)

Christ on the cross was not a thwarting of God’s plan, it was the completion:

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. (1 Corinthians 2:7-8)

As they spent that Sabbath in sorrow, I wonder if any of the disciples remembered His words:

And now I have told you before it come to pass, that, when it is come to pass, ye might believe. (John 14:29)

They heard, but didn’t understand, any more than people today. It is complex when we attempt to put our words to it, but the cross is the message. People look upon that as foolishness.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:17-18)

That changes when we accept God’s gift:

Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2)

Blessed was the thief who understood that:

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (Luke 23:42-43)

The first day of the week changed it all.