Lenten Love #39

In Psalm 88, the writer asks of God, “Do you work wonders for the dead? Do ghosts rise up and give you thanks?  Is your faithful love proclaimed in the grave, your faithfulness in the underworld? Are your wonders known in the land of darkness, your righteousness in the land of oblivion?” (vss. 10-12)

On this day, Holy Saturday, it is with hope that we answer, “YES!”.  As we wait ever-so, but really not so much, patiently for tomorrow and Resurrection, Jesus had some unfinished business to attend to that answers the Psalmist’s questions.  

As far as details go, I’m not sure we can be certain.  But according to the part of the Apostles’ Creed that we Methodist leave out, Jesus descended to the dead or to hell.  I would like to think that he was bringing a reckoning for all those who had gone before him, settling some unpaid debts if you will.  Maybe even taking the keys to hell and death, like a person taking ownership of newly purchased house.  Where once another had reigned, Jesus was now in charge, forever.

So as we wait, still sitting with the fallout from Good Friday, may we trust in a God that will go to extraordinary lengths for each and every one of us, going literally ‘to hell and back’ for all of humanity.

Be blessed and be strong friends, Easter is coming!
Peace,
B

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