A legacy in God’s Kingdom
“Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds." (NIV) John 19:38-39
There are so many people in the world today who are secret admirers of Christian worship. Many wish they were in the Lord’s church and also committed to the building of the kingdom on earth but cannot act because of fear and intimidation.
Sometimes, it is very interesting how God does his things. Consider the following events in the history of Christianity:
Before Jesus came to the earth, his entry was well planned and executed as captured by the gospels. The divine birth was planned and executed.
Christ had a plan for his earthly ministry and went by it. During his ministry, he planned ahead the triumphant entry into Jerusalem.
The Passover celebration that led to the establishment of the Lord’s Supper was planned and was followed in time. The establishment of the church on earth was planned and executed through the Apostles.
As part of the master plan of God, Christ was to die to save mankind from sin. Jesus prophesied about his death too and actually died. However, he never said anything about his burial before his death. Beloved, Christ was to be buried, but by who and how?
A man perhaps thought about this question and acted upon it when the opportunity came. This man- Joseph of Arimathea made history. Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man and a prominent member of the Jewish council according to scriptures (Matthew 27:57, Mark 15:43). Because of fear and intimidation by his colleagues and Israelites, he could not openly come to Christ when he was alive. But during Jesus’ death on the cross, he thought of Jesus and made a bold decision- neglecting the anticipated pressure and criticism from his peers. He requested for the body of Christ from Pilate and buried Jesus in his new tomb.
Beloved, there are so many things to be done in the kingdom and ministry of God. Be confident and do what God expects and neglect the reactions from the world that intimidates you. What Joseph did also inspired Nicodemus to openly come and anoint the body of Christ before burial (John 19:38-42). Similarly, your initiative today may inspire the next Christian to also act in a mega way to create a legacy in God’s kingdom. Be empowered by the Holy Spirit and act without fear, make a legacy today.