Joseph’s courage

Luke 23:50-56

⁵⁰ Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, ⁵¹ 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. ⁵² Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. ⁵³ 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. ⁵⁴ It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

⁵⁵ The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. ⁵⁶ Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

All preparations are complete. The fateful day will come, and I will have this enormous task to fulfill. I’m ready for it (but Lord – give me strength!). Jesus will be crucified (it’s unthinkable!) by the Jewish Leaders – my brothers no less – at the hands of the Romans. I will then ask Pilate for his body – this is crucial – I cannot let the body of my Lord and King be discarded like garbage in a common grave. Timing is everything (Lord, give me favour, please). The tomb is ready. It’s nearby, fortunately. And, amazingly, no suspicions were raised given I bought a tomb for “myself” 32 kilometres from my home in Arimathea. But these grave clothes are not the end. This tomb is not the end – nor even close to the end. This is just the beginning! Nothing can stop God’s kingdom of restoration that this Jesus has started, not even death. I know, without a doubt, that, “After He has suffered, He will see the light of life” and “many will be counted as righteous,” including me, because “He bore our sins.” (See Isaiah 53). What unspeakable joy I feel, despite my sadness. I will play this small part in the greatest event in human history.

Lord, please grant me Joseph’s courage today, and help me do my small part for your restoration kingdom. Amen

Written by B van Noppen