Father, my life is in the mix with that of so many others. Between family and bus and church – and those are just the ones I interact with on a regular basis – my life intersects with the lives of countless others. May I be consistent in who I am. May I be a light pointing to You through it all. Amen.
Mark 15:42-47 (<<click to read the passage)
I, for one, believe that there will come a time, potentially in the not too distant future, where, if we are true followers of Christ, we will have to show ourselves for who we truly are. We will have to make a choice of standing for Christ or against Him.
Jesus said in Matthew 12:30 (NLT),
“Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.”
Joseph of Arimathea “took a risk” (NLT), he “he courageously dared to go in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.” (AMP)
“Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.” (NLT)
From a worldly perspective, he had a lot to lose. His actions – his standing with, affiliating himself with Jesus – set him apart from those around him. John, in his Gospel, states that “Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night”, joined him, for he too believed in Jesus. (John 19:39) But no one else came forward in bold association (with the exception of the women we spoke of yesterday.)
Right now, it’s just a little uncomfortable. Being a Christian is definitely not PC (politically correct) in our society. Many who stand boldly for their belief come under the ridicule of the public eye for doing so. But for genuine followers of Jesus, it is a non-issue – either we are for Him…or we are against Him.
Lord Jesus, I believe with all my heart that I will stand. I plead that You will give me the wisdom, strength, and love to do so – regardless of the price. May I never be ashamed of You. May I always stand true. Amen.
Sept 17th, 2019, Tues, 12:45 pm
