Saturday, April 23, 2011

Day 40

Be Still:  Dear Father, we rejoice that while we are commemorating Jesus’ death, we know it is not the end of the story!  In Jesus’ name, through the power of the Holy Spirit, Amen

Be Strengthened:  Luke 23:44-56
44It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46Jesus called out with a loud voice, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit." When he had said this, he breathed his last.  47The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, "Surely this was a righteous man." 48When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away. 49But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.
50Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus' body. 53Then 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. 54It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.  55The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it. 56Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Be Stretched:  Joseph of Arimathea risked his place on the Council, and even his life, to bury Jesus’ lifeless body.  Do we have the courage to risk everything for the living Savior?  The women, who had left their homes to follow Jesus, go to prepare spices and perfume for His burial.  Despite their desire to do this final task for their Messiah, they still rested on the Sabbath as God had commanded.  When things in your life get crazy-busy, do you take shortcuts with God’s good and caring commands?  Today think about Joseph and about the women, and their examples of courage and obedience. 

No comments:

Post a Comment