Faithful Waiting: Embracing Silence and Trusting God's Promises
Summary
In reflecting on the period between Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, we find ourselves in a space of waiting, much like the disciples did. This waiting is not just a passive state but a profound spiritual experience that tests our faith and patience. The disciples, despite having been told by Jesus about His resurrection, struggled with doubt and fear. They had the knowledge of His promises, yet their hearts were filled with uncertainty. This mirrors our own experiences when we are in seasons of waiting, longing for God to fulfill His promises in our lives.
The silence of that Saturday was deafening for the disciples, as they grappled with the reality of Jesus' death and the seeming impossibility of His return. They were left to wrestle with their fears and doubts, much like we do when we face situations that seem insurmountable. Yet, in this silence, there is a call to faithfulness. The women who prepared spices for Jesus' body exemplified this faithfulness, doing the next right thing even when the future was unclear.
This period of waiting is not without purpose. It is a time for us to build our character and deepen our faith. Just as the disciples had to endure the silence and uncertainty to fully grasp the truth of Jesus' resurrection, we too must endure our own silent Saturdays. These times shape us, teaching us to trust in God's timing and promises. The waiting is not wasted; it is a crucial part of our spiritual journey.
Ultimately, our hope lies in the promise of Jesus' return and the eternal life we will have with Him. Our final destination is not the trials we face on earth but the joy of being in God's presence. As we wait, we are called to be brave and courageous, trusting in God's faithfulness and continuing to do the next right thing. This waiting builds anticipation for the ultimate gift of grace and eternal life with God.
Key Takeaways:
- The Silence of Waiting: The period between Jesus' death and resurrection was a time of profound silence and waiting for the disciples. This silence can be a powerful spiritual experience, testing our faith and patience as we wait for God's promises to be fulfilled. [12:48]
- Faithfulness in Uncertainty: The women who prepared spices for Jesus' body exemplified faithfulness in the face of uncertainty. They did the next right thing, demonstrating that even in times of doubt, we can choose to act in faith and trust in God's plan. [14:56]
- Building Character Through Waiting: The waiting period is not wasted; it is a time for building character and deepening our faith. Just as the disciples had to endure the silence to fully grasp the truth of Jesus' resurrection, we too must endure our own silent Saturdays to grow spiritually. [17:11]
- Trusting in God's Promises: Our hope lies in the promise of Jesus' return and the eternal life we will have with Him. We are called to be brave and courageous, trusting in God's faithfulness and continuing to do the next right thing, even when the future is unclear. [19:45]
- The Gift of Grace and Eternal Life: Our final destination is not the trials we face on earth but the joy of being in God's presence. The waiting builds anticipation for the ultimate gift of grace and eternal life with God, reminding us that the waiting is worth it. [32:16]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:38] - The Cost of the Cross
- [05:44] - Wrestling with Doubt
- [08:41] - Securing the Tomb
- [12:48] - The Silence of Saturday
- [14:56] - Faithfulness in Action
- [17:11] - The Struggle of Waiting
- [19:45] - Trusting in Promises
- [22:10] - The Role of Women
- [24:35] - The Truth of Resurrection
- [32:16] - The Gift of Grace
- [34:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 27:62-66
2. Luke 23:55-56
3. Psalm 27:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 27:62-66, what actions did the Pharisees and Pilate take to secure Jesus' tomb, and what does this reveal about their understanding of Jesus' prophecy? [05:44]
2. According to Luke 23:55-56, what did the women do after Jesus' body was placed in the tomb, and how does this demonstrate their faithfulness? [14:56]
3. How does Psalm 27:13-14 encourage believers to wait on the Lord, and what qualities are emphasized during this waiting period? [19:45]
4. What were the disciples' emotional and mental states during the period between Jesus' death and resurrection, as described in the sermon? [12:48]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the actions of the Pharisees and Pilate in Matthew 27:62-66 reflect a deeper fear or misunderstanding of Jesus' mission and identity? [08:41]
2. In what ways do the actions of the women in Luke 23:55-56 serve as a model for faithfulness during times of uncertainty? [14:56]
3. How does the concept of waiting in Psalm 27:13-14 relate to the experiences of the disciples and the sermon’s message about enduring "silent Saturdays"? [19:45]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of doubt and fear in the disciples' lives, and how can these emotions impact one's faith journey? [03:38]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "silent Saturday" in your life. How did you respond, and what might you do differently now to trust in God's timing? [12:48]
2. The women in Luke 23:55-56 did the "next right thing" despite uncertainty. What is one "next right thing" you can do in your current situation to demonstrate faithfulness? [14:56]
3. Psalm 27:13-14 encourages believers to be brave and courageous while waiting. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to apply this encouragement. How can you practice bravery and courage this week? [19:45]
4. The sermon discusses the importance of building character through waiting. What character traits do you think God is developing in you during your current waiting season? [17:11]
5. How can you support others in your community who are experiencing their own "silent Saturdays"? What practical steps can you take to encourage them? [22:10]
6. Consider the disciples' struggle with doubt and fear. How can you address similar feelings in your own faith journey, and what role does community play in overcoming these challenges? [03:38]
7. The sermon emphasizes the ultimate hope in Jesus' return and eternal life. How does this hope influence your daily decisions and long-term goals? [32:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Silence of Waiting
In the period between Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection, the disciples found themselves in a profound silence, a time of waiting that tested their faith and patience. This silence was not merely an absence of sound but a spiritual experience that mirrored the uncertainty and doubt they felt. Despite knowing Jesus' promises, their hearts were filled with fear and uncertainty. This experience is akin to our own seasons of waiting, where we long for God to fulfill His promises in our lives. The silence of waiting is a call to faithfulness, urging us to trust in God's timing and to remain steadfast in our faith. [12:48]
Isaiah 30:15-16 (ESV): "For thus said the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, 'In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.' But you were unwilling, and you said, 'No! We will flee upon horses'; therefore you shall flee away; and, 'We will ride upon swift steeds'; therefore your pursuers shall be swift."
Reflection: In what area of your life are you experiencing silence and waiting? How can you embrace this time as an opportunity to deepen your trust in God's promises?
Day 2: Faithfulness Amidst Uncertainty
The women who prepared spices for Jesus' body exemplified faithfulness in the face of uncertainty. Despite the fear and doubt surrounding them, they chose to do the next right thing, demonstrating their trust in God's plan. This act of faithfulness serves as a powerful reminder that even in times of doubt, we can choose to act in faith. Their actions teach us that faithfulness is not about having all the answers but about trusting God and taking the next step, even when the future is unclear. [14:56]
Hebrews 11:8 (ESV): "By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going."
Reflection: What is one small step of faithfulness you can take today, even if the outcome is uncertain? How can you trust God with the unknowns in your life?
Day 3: Building Character Through Waiting
The waiting period between Jesus' death and resurrection was not wasted; it was a time for building character and deepening faith. The disciples had to endure the silence and uncertainty to fully grasp the truth of Jesus' resurrection. Similarly, our own silent Saturdays are opportunities for spiritual growth. These times shape us, teaching us to trust in God's timing and promises. The waiting is a crucial part of our spiritual journey, helping us to develop patience, resilience, and a deeper faith. [17:11]
James 1:2-4 (ESV): "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing."
Reflection: How can you view your current season of waiting as an opportunity for growth? What character traits is God developing in you during this time?
Day 4: Trusting in God's Promises
Our hope lies in the promise of Jesus' return and the eternal life we will have with Him. We are called to be brave and courageous, trusting in God's faithfulness and continuing to do the next right thing, even when the future is unclear. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to hold onto God's promises and live in anticipation of their fulfillment. As we wait, we are reminded that our final destination is not the trials we face on earth but the joy of being in God's presence. [19:45]
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (ESV): "So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: What promise of God are you holding onto today? How can you actively trust in His faithfulness as you wait for its fulfillment?
Day 5: Anticipating the Gift of Grace and Eternal Life
Our final destination is not the trials we face on earth but the joy of being in God's presence. The waiting builds anticipation for the ultimate gift of grace and eternal life with God, reminding us that the waiting is worth it. As we endure our own silent Saturdays, we are called to be brave and courageous, trusting in God's faithfulness and continuing to do the next right thing. This anticipation fuels our hope and strengthens our faith, as we look forward to the joy of being with God for eternity. [32:16]
1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."
Reflection: How does the promise of eternal life with God shape your perspective on your current struggles? In what ways can you cultivate a sense of anticipation for the ultimate gift of grace?
Quotes
"As we've gone through last week, we talked about the cost of the cross. We talked about what it meant and the pain that Jesus truly endured. Jesus has been laid in the tomb, right? They shoved the spear into his side. They broke the other criminals' legs because Sabbath was coming and Passover was coming and all these things, and Jesus was already dead. He had already given up his spirit. No longer was Jesus in the physical body anymore, but his spirit, the spirit of God, was now out doing what he was doing over those three days." [00:00:01] (35 seconds)
"You see, Jesus has laid everything out to them. He's told them what is coming. I am the Messiah. I believe you're the Messiah, Jesus. Everything will be made right through the Messiah. We fully believe that. Okay, great. We're at dinner at the Passover, so I'm going to die. I don't know if I believe that part. I'm going to die and I will rise again. Sure, that's going to happen. Yeah, Messiah." [00:03:47] (38 seconds)
"And while all their families are unwrapping the gifts and at the church waiting, they're trying to figure this out. And there's this waiting. There's this waiting. Imagine the confusion in their minds. Imagine the confusion in their hearts as they sit there. Remember, they've walked alongside this man. He's done so many amazing things. He's brought Lazarus back from the dead. If he can bring somebody else back from the dead, why can't he bring himself back from the dead?" [00:05:17] (34 seconds)
"The enemy of Jesus, the people who saw who Jesus was and heard what he said and yet did not place their trust and faith in who he was, they thought that he was a heretic, they thought that he was somebody who was trying to take over their jobs, in some ways he was. They wanted to be sure, positive. They were not going to be able to deceive the people and that they were not going to lose their power because some guy came and he walked the earth and he did a great job doing it, but he threatened their own power." [00:08:56] (39 seconds)
"And at times, it can feel like you don't hear anything from God. At times, it can feel like, I know God has said that he's going to do this for me. But it's not happening. It's not happening. It's not happening. We've prayed for Mary all winter long to get healthy and feel better, and yet it's not happening. It's not happening. We're praying for paperwork to get done so this child can come home to a loving home instead of an orphanage that they don't even touch the children that are there." [00:12:48] (38 seconds)
"We see a different perspective. Because while you're waiting, and while you're unsure of what is coming next, one of my favorite John Delaney quotes, is you do the next right thing. Luke 23, 55, and 56. As his body was taken away, the woman from Galilee followed and saw the tomb where his body was placed. Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished, the Sabbath had been finished." [00:14:17] (43 seconds)
"They had faithfulness to Jesus. They prepared these spices for his body. What did the disciples do? We hear about the woman. We hear about the woman that prepared and did all the next right things, but what did the disciples do? Some of them went and hid. They were truly not sure what was next. They had fear in their hearts. They had the knowledge of what Jesus told them. It was plain and simple for them, but they had fear in their hearts for their own safety, for the uncertainty of what was going to happen next." [00:15:57] (49 seconds)
"And Jesus promised, I'm rising again. I will come back. I will defeat death. I will defeat all evil. Not the way that you expect. I'm not going to have a sword on my side. I'm not going to have an army of angels that comes through and defeats all evil and then the world becomes this perfect, beautiful place. That's not the way that it's going to happen. I'm going to defeat death by dying myself. Huh?" [00:18:48] (29 seconds)
"Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. I can promise you when I was waiting for those gifts on Christmas Eve, there was not one ounce of patience in me. I had to wait, so I waited. But when things don't go the way that we expect them, when life becomes harder than we feel we can bear, wait patiently in the Lord. Be brave and courageous." [00:19:56] (41 seconds)
"God promises us he's coming back. There's promises ahead. The scriptures end, right? Revelation ends and the Bible does end. We're not continuing to add new books as more information comes out. There's not a wiki Bible online somewhere. But the promises are still in the future. They knew the resurrection was coming, but they had to believe it in their hearts." [00:22:41] (36 seconds)
"Sometimes we can feel stuck in that Saturday. The turmoil of not knowing what is exactly going to happen. But once the disciples saw that full picture, they had the most confidence that they could share this news to the world. I said last week that by all accounts, with Jesus' death and his resurrection was there, it was certainly known. But it's not like the entire world gathered together and Jesus rose up in front of them and everybody saw the aura of who Jesus was and Jesus revealed himself to specific people." [00:23:53] (42 seconds)
"if everything that you asked for just magically appeared and you had this genie in a bottle and you just have to rub the lamp and tell him what you want as we know from Aladdin that doesn't always work out very well but if you could just get everything you wanted immediately would your life truly be better it could be in some ways but so so often the difficulties that we go through in life the turmoil and the silence of Saturdays are what shape who we are into being people of stronger faith the difficulties of the days that we experience build our character" [00:27:23] (50 seconds)
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