THE STORY OF JESUS: Matthew 27:57-61
“Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb.” (Matthew 27:59)
Joseph, a rich and respected man (Mark 15:43), took a huge risk to do what he does.
Essentially he surrenders his reputation and future memory to honour Jesus.
His life memorial (tomb) will forever be associated with Jesus – a religious and political loser.
Most people see Jesus as a loser, a failed messiah, no longer relevant.
Sometimes Jesus followers today may also feel the scorn of identifying with a ‘dead’ messiah.
Why waste our time and our lives on Jesus; Jesus is not real, and the church is a failure.
Like Joseph, we may be viewed as fools who still believe in fairy tales.
Essentially we surrender our reputations and future memory to honour Jesus.
When I think of Who Jesus is, and what He represents, I don’t mind.
Why should we be ashamed to identify with radical grace and love, humility and kindness?
Think of the crazy things people devote their lives to today… and they’re not ashamed!?!?
“I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.” (Philippians 1:20)
Today again I choose to honour the ‘failed messiah’ and by continuing His work in my body!
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, people may mock me for identifying with Your life and love, but I would rather be a fool for You than for all the empty things that everyone else seems to be sacrificing their lives for!
The following quote from the book ‘Be Joyful’ by Warren W. Wiersbe I found very relevant to today’s reading.
You are writing a gospel,
A chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do
And the words that you say.
Men read what you write,
Whether faithful or true:
Just what is the gospel
According to you?
—SOURCE UNKNOWN
I need to be an epistle read by all those around me. We read about Joseph and how he served – stepping up and stepping out of his comfort zone. And like yesterdays comment about the women – they were still there, serving their Master. And I must do the same.
My Jesus, my savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days
I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that i am
Never cease to worship you
Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your Name
I’ll sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You
Forever I’ll stand
Nothing compares to the promise I have in You
My Jesus, my savior
Lord there is none like you
All of my days (all my days)
I want to praise
The wonders of your mighty love
My comfort, my shelter
Tower of refuge and strength
Let every breath, all that I am
Never cease to worship you
Shout to the Lord all the earth let us sing
Power and majesty praise to the King
Mountains bow down and the seas will roar
At the sound of Your Name
I’ll sing for joy at the work of Your hands
Forever I’ll love You
Forever I’ll stand