When the centurion and those who were with him, keeping watch over Jesus, saw the earthquake and what took place, they were filled with awe and said, “Truly this was the Son of God!” (Matthew 27:54)

They went and made the tomb secure by sealing the stone and setting a guard. (Matthew 27:66)

The Son of God has died. His body lies buried in a sealed tomb. Jesus' opponents have appointed soldiers to guard the tomb, seeking to ensure that he remains buried and soon forgotten. His disciples, still reeling from yesterday’s events with their hopes crushed, have scattered in fear. Today, it seems that all is lost. The darkness of Friday has shrouded the world in seeming forever gloom. The bad guys won. Evil has triumphed.

But Saturday will not last forever. Jesus told his disciples that this would happen. Even in the grave, Jesus is still in control. No one had the power to take his life. He laid his life down voluntarily and he has the authority to take it up again. Sunday is coming.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, when things are at their darkest, you remain on your throne in absolute control. When darkness surrounds us and we are tempted to despair, help us hope in your coming light. When troubles and confusion threaten to overwhelm us, help us to cling to you as our rock that can never fail. When everything seems bad, help us remember that you are always good. When fears and anxiety assail us, help us hide in you, our indestructible fortress. When our hopes and dreams come crashing down, help us learn to hope in you alone. You are good and you are sovereign. Help us trust you. We pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.