Saturday (Luke 23v55-56)
The followers of Jesus were devout Jews and even though it might have been tempting to just go and stay at the tomb, they went home and kept the Passover rest. Many everyday activities like walking long distances, cooking, normal work, were forbidden on this day, like on the normal Sabbath. The intention was not to make life difficult, but to ensure the people rested.
In some churches, on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, a vigil is kept. Churches that have a lamp burning all year, extinguish it on Good Friday. On Saturday the people gather to renew baptismal vows. In some, at midnight the lamp is re-lit and a candle is lit from the lamp, the light is passed round the congregation. Sometimes it is good to give ourselves space for renewing our promises to God and each other, to re-light our individual and collective light and to rest. Many people who are involved in the leading and directing of their congregation have to designate a day of rest, because Sundays are often their most busy day.
Selah: Rest is important, so is taking time to review our lives in the light of Easter. Are you ready for whatever God may be calling you to?