🌿BREATHE TRUTH🌿
As evening approached, Joseph of Arimethea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) —Mark 15:43-44
🌿LIVE THE REAL TRUTH🌿
When Jesus is alive, Joseph of Arimethea doesn’t want anyone to know he adheres to the teachings Jesus. His religious, financial, social, and career positions are at stake. How can he explain Jesus to his family and friends? What benefits could result from full disclosure or divulgence? None, as he calculates. Better to stay in the shadows than come out into the light.
But after Joseph witnesses the brutal treatment and murder of Jesus, the truth in the fire looks different now. Joseph hasn’t been actively involved in the death of Jesus, but by remaining in the shadows, a passive participant. He fears losing the tangible and intangible benefits of his standing and status. His fear overshadows his faith.
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The stress of being known as a believer overwhelms and obscures his intentions of becoming a fiery follower of Jesus Christ.
The stigma of being exposed leads to the shroud of secrecy he lives and languishes under.
Jesus the Messiah is alive, available, and accessible. Yet Joseph has chosen the temporal for the eternal. The earthly for the heavenly. The worldly for the divine.
When we focus entirely on what we are going through, we don’t see where God is taking us to.
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So what does Joseph of Arimethea finally do? He steps out of the shadows and into the Sonlight, seeking for the body of Jesus to honor Him. Joseph rises up to risk it all.
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We empty ourselves in order to be filled with God. This is how we face our fears.
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Joseph is consumed with worldly concerns. He wants the approval and acceptance of his community and circle of influence. He desires to fit in and fall behind the establishment.
When Joseph is able to let go of his worldly cares, could he truly grasp hold of the nailed, scarred hands of Jesus Christ.
Ultimately, our conformity confines our actions and corners our faith.
When we are willing to step out of the shadows and build our faith, God gives us boldness to make a stand for Christ.
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We take ownership of our faith in order to find courage. This is how we face our fears.
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Joseph of Arimethea thought he could function in two worlds. Be an inward follower and an outward Pharisee. Be a daytime member of the council and a nighttime member of Jesus’ adherents. Be a part-time community leader and a part-time Jesus lover.
Sometimes faith will only birth sometimes courage. Occasional faith will only bear occasional courage. Sporadic faith won’t burst into fiery courage.
Ultimately, part-time following isn’t enough to fuel faith. Faith ablaze for God requires a full-time fire.
When we are willing to step out of the shadows and take ownership of our faith, God gives us courage to feel the wood splinters of the cross on our backs.
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Only when Joseph empties himself of the things that mattered to the world, could he be filled with the cares of God.
Only when Joseph becomes a full-time follower can he finally find courage to fight for his faith.
Empty yourself of the world. Own your faith. This is how we face our fears.
Find courage in the scars of Jesus’ hands and feet who wasn’t afraid to die for you and be a full-time follower of the Real Truth.
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Copyright 2019