I don’t normally talk about my religious beliefs . . . the reasons behind this and whether or not it is the way I should run this race of life is the topic for another discussion. But I am going to talk about them today so be forewarned all who are easily offended by Christian doctrine.
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Alright, if you are still reading this you are likely either Christian or open to an insight of my personal beliefs. In either case, if you do not have the self-titled debut album by Jars of Clay, you should get it as soon as possible. The ten songs on that album are easily some of the best songs written and the lyrics tell the intricate story of the ups and downs in life. If you are not a Christian, the songs are masterfully put together and easily enjoyed for their artistry alone. If you are a Christian, the lyrics in each song can cut deep into your emotions and evoke a deep reverence for God and the life that He has given you.
One of the songs on this album played on my iPod earlier this morning as I was getting ready to start my day. It is my favorite song on that album. My iPod was on random, but I believe there was nothing random about that song playing at that moment out of over 1,500 songs currently on my iPod.
Today marks the anniversary of the day after Jesus died on a cross and the day before He rose from the dead. I have thought a lot about Good Friday and I have thought even more about Easter . . . but I have never really given a whole lot of reflection to the Saturday between the two days.
As I started to reflect on the lyrics of the song (which is also the subject of another discussion altogether), I began to think about that first Saturday after the death of Jesus. I started to imagine what it must have been like for the first followers of Christ to live through that day. Jesus was the Messiah. He was supposed to restore Israel and usher in an age of peace. And now he is dead? Talk about a crisis of faith.
I can’t begin to comprehend what that limbo must have been like before their faith was restored through the resurrection. Many a time I have wished that I had lived during this time instead so that I could witness, first hand, everything I believe. That way I would know for sure what is true and what is not, so I would not have to constantly struggle with doubts and struggle with faith. But the doubts and struggles that the first followers of Christ must have been feeling that Saturday must have been debilitating. Perhaps it is better to view all of this through the rear view mirror? All I know is that I gained a new found respect for all of the followers of Jesus that had to live through that Saturday.
Until next we meet.
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