Reflection by: Michael Cotter
"Eyes Open” Taylor SwiftTake this moment to picture yourself there. You cannot see Jesus because He is inside the tomb. People celebrate while your friend, your hopeful savior lies dead. Do you cry? Are you so frustrated you scream? Or, maybe, do you walk away?
You have put all of your trust into what is now a dead body. You must carry your faith for three days for the promise of His resurrection. Are you sure He will return? Is that even possible? Day turns to night and there is no sign of change - do you struggle with your faith in this moment? "Everybody's waiting for you to break down. Everybody's watching to see the fall out. Even when you're sleeping - keep your eyes open." It is Saturday, the next day. Pontius Pilate, the judge who let Jesus be killed, has sent soldiers to the tomb so that nobody would steal the body of Jesus. The soldiers sit by the tomb all day and all night. They are there to ensure no one enters Jesus' tomb. Do you think they are afraid He will return? Or do you think that they just want to keep you away from your friend? Do they mock you for having faith in Someone who is dead? Do they ignore you completely? Do you keep your faith still? "Keep your feet ready, heartbeat steady, keep your eyes open. Keep your aim locked, the night grows dark, keep your eyes open." Day melts into night, Saturday is gone. Tomorrow is the great unknown. Tomorrow is the day of the promised return. He's been in a tomb for two days, He is behind a rock that took several strong soldiers to move into place and has been guarded since - is it even possible? What do you say to yourself, or God, now? More importantly, what does God say to you? "Keep your eyes open"
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Click the play button below to have the station read aloud.
Instrumentation by Jake Faculak
"Look at how Jesus' friends have put clean clothes on His body and sprinkled Him with a sweet smelling perfume before they lay His body in the tomb. After they lay Him inside, they leave and roll a giant stone in front of the doorway. It is so large that it takes several big men to roll it into place.Then they all go home. All that they could do has been done. 
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"keep our eyes looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him - endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of God."
Hebrews 12:2