Reflecting on John 19:38-42“Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders.” (John 19:38)
Joseph was a secret Jesus-follower until this moment.
By going to Pilate to ask for Jesus’s body, he is going public.
The same Jewish leaders he feared would hear about this.
Something had changed within him, and he pushed past his fear.
Nicodemus was also a secret Jesus-follower, but not anymore.
I see this as an encouragement to other secret Jesus-followers.
In Japan between 1600-1875 these were known as “Kakure Kirishitan”.
They went underground with their faith for fear of torture and death.
Many today are also disciples of Jesus, but secretly because of fear.
The encouragement here is that the Spirit is still working in and through them.
Whether or not they go public like Joseph or Nicodemus, they ARE disciples.
At certain times, and in unique ways, their trust in Jesus will be evident.
They will strive to live and love like Jesus, and people will notice.
They may face persecution, or they made remain hidden.
But Jesus still welcomes them among His followers.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, may those who are disciples in hiding sense Your presence with them, Your protection from what they fear, and Your power to live with, like and for You in their dangerous, frightening situations. Use them to bless their communities as well!
1. God is here! As we your people
meet to offer praise and prayer,
may we find in fuller measure
what it is in Christ we share.
Here, as in the world around us,
all our varied skills and arts
wait the coming of the Spirit
into open minds and hearts.
2. Here are symbols to remind us
of our lifelong need of grace.
Here are table, font, and pulpit;
here the cross has central place.
Here, in honesty of preaching,
here, in silence, as in speech,
here, in newness and renewal,
God the Spirit comes to each.
3. Here our children find a welcome
in the Shepherd’s flock and fold;
here, as bread and wine are taken,
Christ sustains us as of old.
Here the servants of the Servant
seek in worship to explore
what it means in daily living
to believe and to adore.
4. Lord of all, of Church and kingdom,
in an age of change and doubt,
keep us faithful to the gospel;
help us work your purpose out.
Here, in this day’s dedication,
all we have to give, receive;
we, who cannot live without you,
we adore you! We believe!