John 19:38
Jesus is dead. Crucified....nailed to a cross...horrific suffering....for ME and ALL who claim him as Savior. Riverwood Chapel had the most beautiful, Jesus honoring, Good Friday service last evening. When it was over hundreds filed out in dead silence.....it was a time of grieving. Grieving.....for what Jesus did for us. But we do not grieve as if there is no hope. No! For we know that tomorrow is an amazing day which brings great joy to a world full of death and sorrow.
I can't stop thinking about Joseph of Arimathea.....several accounts call him "a secret disciple of Jesus"..... scripture says secret because, "he feared the Jewish leaders."
"This burial gave both Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus a way to proclaim their relationship with Jesus; it called them out of their state of secret discipleship."
(Enduring Word Commentary)
Two thoughts came to mind and I can't stop thinking about them:
1. I am so very blessed in my country to not to have to hide my love for Jesus. I can wear a t-shirt that declares Jesus is Lord. I can carry my Bible to the local Panera and study. I can stand on a street corner and shout, I can go knocking door to door proclaiming who he is. I can, with great desire and love, tell those who don't know him why they need him. I can be open and honest about my faith....and with great joy!
2. Though I CAN do all of those things in #1, do I? Am I frightened to let Jesus shine through me? Am I worried about what people will say? Am I embarrassed? Am I passive? Am I timid?
Really odd juxtaposition (the fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect) of these two images isn't it?
The commentary said Jesus' death, "Called them out of their secret discipleship".
I don't want to be a secret disciple.
In the book of Mark, Joseph is described as a respected member of the Sanhedrin. In Matthew he was described as rich. Mark and Luke both describe him as one who was, "waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God". I read a thesis on Joseph of Arimathea and there is a lot of history as to why each of the gospel accounts are written as they are, what the historical significance is and why some things were seemingly ommitted and other things added. It was a good read, no question... but on a personal level, for me....I go back to my thoughts.....
There are countries in this world where Jesus' name cannot be spoken. People lose their lives if they SPEAK his name.
How many times do I shrink back from the PRIVILEGE of speaking his name? Honestly, breaks my heart. There are times I come home with regret that I didn't use the opportunity that Christ gave me. Why? Because I saw the opportunity and for whatever reason, fear, lack of confidence, concern about the response, or simply chosing not too and because every opportunity Christ provides could be the only opportunity for that person to hear it. Now, I don't know that for sure and God IS sovereign, but I should always be willing to share the Good News and the reason for the hope that I have. Always! Being a Christ follower comes with responsibility....a required obedience response. Disobedience, while often chosen, is always a non-response and that grieves the Lord. I don't want that....but sometimes I choose it.....💔
I don't want to be a secret disciple.
I don't want to choose it.
I don't want to be hushed by fear.
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
1 Peter 3:15-16
Today, as I wait in great anticipation for tomorrow, I ponder these thoughts:
• Do I use my freedom to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ?
• If not, why not?
Two questions. Two.simple.questions.
On this "in between" day, the day before my Jesus comes out of that grave, I proclaim loudly HE IS LORD!
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."
Luke 8:16
"Let your light shine before men..." Let those who come in, those who Christ puts in my path, SEE the light!
Tomorrow is coming! 🙌
"But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."
1 Peter 3:15-16
Today, as I wait in great anticipation for tomorrow, I ponder these thoughts:
• Do I use my freedom to proclaim the salvation of Jesus Christ?
• If not, why not?
Two questions. Two.simple.questions.
On this "in between" day, the day before my Jesus comes out of that grave, I proclaim loudly HE IS LORD!
“No one lights a lamp and hides it in a clay jar or puts it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand, so that those who come in can see the light."
Luke 8:16
"Let your light shine before men..." Let those who come in, those who Christ puts in my path, SEE the light!
Tomorrow is coming! 🙌
No comments:
Post a Comment