Luke chapter 23 verses 50 – 54 (NIV)
Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
The verses that have spoken to me over the last few days have all been about being bold, courageous and standing firm in the faith. The theme continues today with the account of Joseph of Arimathea. As a member of the council, he had not yielded to the pressure from others to agree to the cruxifiction of Jesus. As a devout, Godly man, he was bold enough to go to Pilate and ask for Jesus’ body, even laying Him in his own new tomb.
Joseph certainly had the courage of his convictions!
I’m sure that he would be marked out as a trouble maker by those who had opposed Jesus because of his actions. Although we don’t know any more about him, he certainly is a great example of someone willing to stand out from the crowd and to live waiting for the Kingdom of God.
Dear Lord,
What an example set by Joseph. May I be as bold and forthright, and be found faithfully waiting for God to move in power and for Jesus’ return. I pray in His Name. Amen.