Luke 23:56

New Living Translation (NLT)

Then they went home and prepared spices and ointments to anoint his body. But by the time they were finished the Sabbath had begun, so they rested as required by the law.

For Meditation

They did not think the opportunity would be there. Crucified criminals were often left on the stake for days before taking them down. The objective was deterrence, and the cruelty of crucifixion made the point very well. Mary and the other women from Galilee, therefore, were surprised by Joseph’s act of loving kindness by securing Pilate’s permission to take Jesus’ body down and placing it in a tomb. They were presented with a window of opportunity to give their Master a decent burial.

Feet shoveled, hands reached out, and mortars sounded. Soon, a carefully chosen blend of beautiful aromatic spices was prepared for the body of the Master. But the Sabbath had started by the time they finished. Obedience to the commandment obligated the women to rest till Sunday. Their hearts were heavy, but piety required obedience.

Sometimes we force things unnecessarily. Something must be done, I know, and urgency requires swiftness. However, a condition or situation suggests we take a break. But we push and rant. “There is no time to waste,” we scream. We order people around and cut corners to get things done, only to realize we missed the best that a momentary pause possessed. Who do we blame, but to silently nurse our regret until it fully takes its toll?

The women’s obedience paid off. During the night, God shock the earth. The Almighty dispatched His angel to break the seal and roll the stone back from the tomb (Matt. 28:2). Their anxiety was meaningless. God took charge and displayed the miracle of His Son’s resurrection with an empty tomb – a resounding victory over death. Mary Magdalene and the other women prepared their hearts for a dead body to embalm and honor, but God gave them the best gift of all time – a living Savior to worship and adore forever with the spices of dedicated lives.

When we wait in obedience to God, He surprises us with His best. He gives us the opportunity to rest in Him till He makes His move. “Be anxious for nothing,” He says (Phil. 4:6NASB). “Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD” (Ps. 27:14). For, “those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength. They will mount up with wings like eagles. They will run and not get tired. They will walk and not become weary” (Is. 40:31NASB).

I pray you do just that and may the Lord surprise you tomorrow with His resurrection grace.

Waiting for the Lord allows for the preparation of our hearts for God’s visitation.

Shalom