The AMI QT Devotionals April 10-16 are written by David Son, who serves as the college pastor at Symphony Church in Boston.  David, a graduate of UC Berkeley (B.S.) and Gordon-Conwell Seminary (M.Div.), is married to Grace who teaches at a public school.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT FOR THE PASSION WEEK

“The Most Uncomfortable Day”

Luke 24:54-56

It was the day of Preparation, and the Sabbath was beginning. The women who had come with him from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how his body was laid. Then they returned and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath they rested according to the commandment.

During elementary school, my best friend’s mother passed away from leukemia. It was the first tragedy that I had encountered in my life, and also the first funeral I had ever attended. But as I made my way to pay my respects at the open casket, more than grief, I was overwhelmed with fear. I had known this woman; I loved her, but there she was, passed on. What was going to happen to my friend? I proceeded to greet the family, and I found him weeping intensely. I wasn’t prepared, I didn’t know what to say, and I didn’t know what to do with all the pain surrounding me. I gave him a quick hug and a muted smile, and ran away to hide in a different part of the building. I wish I could have done it differently. I wish I had stayed beside my friend, but the fear and discomfort of pain drove me to run away. It was the most uncomfortable day of my life.

When we look through the four Gospel accounts of Jesus’ burial, they all mention that it was Joseph (the owner of the tomb) and the women who buried Jesus. My question is, “Where were the men? Where were Peter, James, and John?” The Bible doesn’t say where they were, but clearly they were not at the tomb. To a certain extent, I understand how the disciples must have felt on that eve, and all throughout that Saturday. It must have been the most uncomfortable, scary, and confusing day. Why couldn’t Jesus have risen after one day? Why did God wait until the third day? Why didn’t God heal my friend’s mother? Why doesn’t God put a swift end to the brokenness and suffering in this world? We shouldn’t presume to understand the ways of God, but one thing is certain: seasons of suffering seem to be within God’s good plan.

We know the good news, we know the end of the story, we know that Jesus will resurrect, and we know that God will one day make all things new. But hope is not an escape mechanism. Let us not run away or hide ourselves from the seasons of suffering that we face presently. Instead, let us encourage one another, walk alongside each other, and comfort our brothers and sisters who are going through pain, in the hope of Jesus Christ. It’s Saturday, but Sunday is on the horizon!

Prayer: God, we trust You even when circumstances are bleak. We know who You are—You are a God who turns mourning into dancing and sorrow into joy. Help us to persevere together as we walk in the faith that You are a good and faithful God. Thank You that the end of the story is victory, restoration, and resurrection. We love You. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Bible Reading for Today: Leviticus 6-7