“And Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn out in the rock; and he rolled a large stone against the entrance of the tomb and went away. And Mary Magdalene was there and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave.
“Now on the next day, which is the one after the preparation, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together with Pilate and said, ‘Sir, we remember that when He was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I am to rise again.’ Therefore, give orders for the grave to be made secure until the third day, lest the disciples come and steal Him away and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead,’ and the last deception will be worse than the first.’
“Pilate said to them, ‘You have a guard; go, make it as secure as you know how.’ And they went and made the grave secure, and along with the guard they set a seal on the stone.” Matthew 28:59-66
“A friend of mine, struggling to believe in a loving God amid much pain and sorrow, blurted out this statement: ‘God’s only excuse is Easter!’ The language is non-theological and harsh, but within that phrase lies a haunting truth. The Cross of Christ may have overcome evil, but it did not overcome unfairness. For that, Easter is required. Someday, God will restore all physical reality to its proper place under His reign. Until then, it is a good thing to remember that we live out our days on Easter Saturday.”*
On that Saturday, there was tenderness, determination, mourning, deceit, activity, resignation, direction, arrogance, hope and great sadness. Just like any other Saturday actually. But wait, as they say, there’s more!
Take care with love, especially His! Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene
PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?
For any of you who wonder if prayer is worth taking time for, just page back through previous entries and see the hand of our loving Father in action!
NEW PRAYER REQUEST: For Adam R, who just lost his grandfather. For Paul N and his journey. For Cris, dealing with things no one but the Father understands perfectly: that she will reach out for help. Jim and Elaine, as they search for a new direction.
OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son), Michael.
ONGOING JOB RELATED: That Tim might also find satisfying work. Galdor needs the right job, not just a job.
PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: I may have a new publisher in the USA for my book! Reg for his ministry and patience. Jo has work now to help with those affected by the earthquakes in NZ. My friend’s wedding will proceed. Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Nancy, continues to progress well from head injury. Earl grows stronger every day now! The other Nancy is doing well against her cancer.
PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (please see her blog at this LINK. (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/) Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.
*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey
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