The only thing better than clean sheets... is clean sheets dried on the line outside. The fresh scent and crisp feel are a true luxury. If I could, I would have clean sheets every night, but it is impractical. It takes too much time to wash, dry and reassemble. So, on clean sheet night, I savor the joy until I drift off to sleep.
Tonight is clean sheet night! It is a reason to smile and anticipate the end of the day.
I can't help thinking about Jesus wrapped in clean sheets of linen, covered with perfumed ointment, myrrh & aloe. The custom was not neglected. Nicodemus & Joseph of Arimathea took care of the body of Jesus. The scriptures tell us they prepared him for the tomb.
"With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes. Following Jewish burial custom, they wrapped Jesus’ body with the spices in long sheets of linen cloth. The place of crucifixion was near a garden, where there was a new tomb, never used before." -John 19:39-41
Both men sought out Jesus in life. Both lacked courage to boldly follow Him. Yet, after watching his trial, conviction, crucifixion and death...they came out of the shadows to care for Him in death. I've always found that interesting. Did they go home that night exhausted? Did they expect the resurrection? We don't know. Certainly, they went to bed that night knowing they had not abandoned Jesus in death.
Resurrection morning came after the endless silence of Saturday. What did Simon Peter and the others find inside? The linens were inside, but Jesus was not there.
" Then Simon Peter arrived and went inside. He also noticed the linen wrappings lying there, while the cloth that had covered Jesus’ head was folded up and lying apart from the other wrappings." -John 20:6-7
The sheets associated with burial were there, but Jesus was not. What did they find inside? The linen sheets were inside, but there was no sign of Jesus. The cloth that covered his face was neatly folded.
What a surprise! What a mystery! What a reason to celebrate! I am not sure I can humanly fathom the broad spectrum of their emotions. I know it was delight mixed with wonder. Their energy renewed. Fresh hope is breathed into their hearts and their days.
Perhaps, their joy felt a little like clean sheet night at the Smith house.
Today, I am grateful for clean sheets.
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