“O Lord, God of my salvation…” Psalm 88:1

Easter Prelude

As Easter draws near I am reminded of my trip to Israel when we were shown Caiaphas’ house where Jesus was interrogated, held prisoner, and tried before the high priest, the scribes, and the elders. At this house there is an empty cistern.  It was the custom of the day to hold a prisoner in an empty cistern, so that there is a distinct possibility that Jesus awaited in this dark, empty, cold pit.

We filed down narrow steps to sit on the cold, hard rock of this cistern. There we read Psalm 88. I pictured Jesus saying these words to His Father. His soul was full of troubles and His life drew near to the grave. He began to feel the unthinkable separation from His Father. In darkness, in the depths, the wrath of God for our sins was before Him. His friends, His acquaintances, His disciples were far from Him. He was tasting the beginnings of terrible affliction.

There is a section in that Psalm where the psalmist asks, “Will You work wonders for the dead?” and “Shall the dead arise and praise You?” It goes on—and I hope you will read the entirety of this passage for yourself. These heartfelt inquiries were the heart of the entire matter.

Jesus was tasting death for us. Jesus was bearing this horrific ordeal for our sakes, that these questions might be answered with resounding joy. Yes! God does work wonders for the dead, granting us eternal life in His glorious presence. Yes! The dead shall arise and praise Him.

Jesus did not waver or compromise. Jesus did not cut and run. Jesus fought the good fight and won for us an eternal triumph. The opening line of the very next Psalm is, “I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever!” (Psalm 89:1). How great is His mercy toward us.

“Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound! They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance. In Your name they rejoice all day long and in Your righteousness they are exalted. For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn is exalted” (Psalm 89:15-17).

All because of Jesus.

“Father, we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus on the third day just as You said it would be. We are forever grateful. We rejoice in You. Amen.”