Posted in Faith on 04. Apr, 2010
As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus… Matthew 27:57
There were many that day who watched Jesus die. Some mourned, others laughed and scorned. There was one man, however, who stood from the crowd. He was among them, yes – but he was different. And it was more than his place in society. Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man – a man both well-off and well respected. He was a member of the Council – of the ruling body of the Jews. He was associated with those who condemned Christ to die; yet he was a follower of the man they so despised. He stood with the Council as they made their demands; yet he did not share in their convictions. Joseph of Arimathea had convictions of his own. Though he feared the men he ruled alongside, he knew they held no power over death. Though he knew his Messiah would be killed, he believed He would rise again. That’s where he differed from other believers. He watched Jesus being beaten, spit upon, laughed at, and hung upon a cross. And while it pained his heart, he refused to lose heart. You see, he did not focus on the here-and-now. He focused on the words of prophecy. He believed Jesus was who He said – and that meant He would rise again. So as Jesus uttered his final words and breathed his last … as His followers held tight to one another and wept … as the dark clouds gathered overhead and panic began to spread throughout the crowd … Jospeh snuck away. He gathered every ounce of courage and approach Pilate. He asked – he pleaded – for the body of Jesus. When his request was granted, he stole the limp body of his Savior away. He did not bury him with the guilty, as the Council would demand, but buried him in a new tomb. He did not wrap Him according to burial custom, as the believers would demand, but wrapped him in fresh linens. Then he waited for the third day…
As we go forth from this Easter season, let us be like Joseph of Arimathea. Let us truly believe in Christ and His ressurection power. Let us shake off our sackcloth and rejoice – for the tomb, my friends, is empty!
Posted in Faith on 12. Apr, 2009
Photo courtesy of freefoto.com
“Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.” – Luke 23:32
Two thieves shambled along the dirt road leading to Golgotha. Upon his back, each bore a large wooden cross inscribed with the crime for which he would die. They were not alone on this final journey; a man whose cross read IESVS·NAZARENVS·REX·IVDÆORVM, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews” walked with them. He took the place of a murderer.
During crucifixion, both robbers scorned the third; if they were King, they would not be hanging on a cross on a hill called the Skull. But something in the man’s presence silenced one. No matter the insult, this man named Jesus never fought back. When He looked upon His accusers, He looked with pity, not resentment. The robber turned to face the crowd. That’s when he saw them; amidst those who mocked, those who mourned. Rich and poor, relation and friend – his mother and brothers mingled with a harlot, a tax collector, a man healed of leprosy. The lives Jesus touched.
Like that odd band of followers, this man who did nothing but take, looked upon the man who did nothing but give. He saw love reflected from the eyes that saw hate; he heard words of compassion in response to those of reproach; he felt acceptance, even as he pushed away. He saw his Savior. And while he knew he was not worthy of grace he cried out, “Jesus, remember me …“ – and most amazing of all, Jesus did. Those were the words He waited for – the words He died for – and if we speak them even today, His answer remains the same: I tell you the truth… you will be with me in paradise. It doesn’t matter our history, our sins, our hypocrisy. We have only to call out to Jesus with heartfelt sincerity; His triumph over the grave will guarantee our pardon.
Posted in Faith on 22. Mar, 2008
“Now that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened…” – Luke 24:13-14
There they are–two of Christ’s followers–trudging the old dirt road leading to Emmaus. Kicking pebbles here and there, they keep their arms folded, their eyes downcast. They talk in despairing voices. How could they have killed Jesus? Did they not hear his teachings? Did they not see the miracles? Why did God let it happen? His own son! With the Savior dead and buried, what hope does Israel have now? And Judas! Don’t even get me started on Judas!
They’re so into their discussion they don’t even see the stranger now walking beside them. “What are you talking about?” He asks. Can’t you just see the twinkle in His eye? They stop walking; but they just can’t bring themselves to look up. The question doesn’t even merit a response. Don’t you know? The stranger shrugs, shakes his head, inquires further, and the floodgates open. They tell it all. Every wretched detail–His name was Jesus, they begin. They tell of his signs and wonders–how despite all His great words and deeds, their own rulers handed Him over to be sentenced to death. Only three days earlier, they explain, He was crucified on an old wooden cross. He died and was buried, along with their hope for salvation. Then, to top it all off, the women went to His tomb, found it empty, and now claim He has risen from the dead.
All this and Jesus was right before their eyes. How could they have missed Him?
How could we?
We know He rose from the dead–we’ve read the scriptures, heard the sermons, and sang the songs. Yet when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of life, we often live as though He were dead. We focus on our despair, we try to fix things ourselves, we try to carry the burden alone. All this when the one who walked before us–the one who understands the burden of this world more than anyone–who laughed and cried, who felt the joy of friendship and the pang of betrayal, who felt misunderstood, alone, and abandoned–He is not dead. He is risen; and He walks right beside us.
Tell me, He says. All we have to do is look up.
Posted in Faith on 01. Apr, 2007
“‘Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here, He has risen!’” –Luke 24:5-6
Imagine for a moment, you are among those bringing spices and perfumes to the tomb of Jesus. It seems only yesterday you were traveling from Galilee with your Lord. Now he is dead. In the past days you have witnessed the one you loved — the on you laughed with, mourned with, learned from — betrayed. You saw the one who fed the hungry and clothed the naked, stripped of all dignity, and given bitter liquid to drink. You saw he who blessed and healed, insulted and tortured. And then you saw him die. Tears streamed with the pouring rain, and your heart felt as though it had shattered in a million pieces. It can’t end this way. But as they took his limp body from the cross, you realized it was over. It is finished. Just as he said. You spent hours weeping, until there simply were no more tears. Now you walk the long earthen path toward a borrowed tomb. You try to talk with the others, but words are few. So you walk in silence. But then you hear those precious words. It didn’t end as it appeared. When Jesus declared it finished, he didn’t mean his life, but your chains. Never has there been such joy! Our Lord and Savior overcame death to seal OUR victory — a truth no less profound now as then. Therefore today, of all days, let us not allow the sorrows of this world to drag us down. After all, we have far more than a few Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies to bring us joy, we have an empty tomb! Jesus — our Savior, Redeemer, Messiah, Advocate, Cornerstone, Healer, our Friend — he is not dead. He has risen. And he did it all for the love of you …
