Day 7: Silent Saturday: Finding Hope in the Waiting

Day 7: Silent Saturday: Finding Hope in the Waiting

with Dr. Jeff Warren and Keith Lowry

Daniel 9:20-27; Matthew 27:62-66

On this Silent Saturday, we're reminded of the powerful truth that God's silence does not equal His absence. As we reflect on Daniel's prayer in Daniel 9:20-27, we see a breathtaking prophecy unfold - a divine countdown to the Messiah. This prophecy not only foretold Christ's first coming with astonishing accuracy but also guarantees His return. We find ourselves living in the gap between these events, much like those who experienced that first Silent Saturday. Just as Mary may have wrestled with doubt and grief after Jesus' crucifixion, we too often face our own 'silent Saturdays' - those painful spaces between heartbreak and redemption. Yet, even in these moments of uncertainty, we're encouraged to remember that God is always at work, even when we can't see or feel it. This message urges us to hold onto hope, trust in God's perfect timing, and find comfort in the knowledge that our prayers are heard and acted upon the moment we utter them.

Reflection:

1. How does the concept of 'Silent Saturday' resonate with your own experiences of waiting and uncertainty in your faith journey?
2. Daniel 9:21-23 says that Gabriel showed up as Daniel was praying and told him, "The moment you began praying, a command was given." How can this be an encouragement to you when you pray?
3. How does the idea that 'we cannot mistake God's silence for His absence' impact your perspective on challenging times in your faith?
4. In what ways can we cultivate a mindset of worship and praise, even in the midst of grief or uncertainty, as exemplified in the song 'Finished Work of Christ'?

Finished Work of Christ

I trade old for the new

I trade lies for the truth

And I throw off these old chains

And hold fast unto You

I cling to the cross

Where my Savior bled

Where grace found a way

To bring death to an end

A beautiful ransom

When love paid my debt

So I'll sing Your praise

All of my days

Your blood flowing down

Like oceans of grace

My sin swept away

I'm brought back to life

Here in the finished work of Christ

You came out of the grave

You came bursting to life

And You shattered the darkness

With Your glorious light

In this battle for us

You ran to the fight

With mercy and grace

And Your arms open wide

The dawn of redemption

Put an end to the night

So I'll sing Your praise

All of my days

Your blood flowing down

Like oceans of grace

My sin swept away

I'm brought back to life

Here in the finished work of Christ

So I'll sing Your praise

With all of my heart

You buried my past

So my future could start

I kneel at the cross

I'm held in Your light

Here in the finished work of Christ

Hallelujah

Hallelujah

It is finished

You have overcome