Gather Your Courage

Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. Mark 15:43

Joseph took a real risk by asking for the body of Jesus. In a sense, he was instantly “outed” as a Jesus-follower, albeit a new one.

When Joseph identified himself with Jesus and his followers, he took several hits. He faced immediate rejection from other Pharisees and the Sanhedrin, the ruling body that had ordered Jesus’ arrest. He faced the criticism and hatred of other Jews. He probably lost business partners and even friends.

Bottom line…this was no small risk for Joseph. That’s why Mark says that he gathered up his courage.

Look what happened when he did. God used Joseph’s tomb as the temporary resting place for Jesus’ body. God offered immediate encouragement and support to Mary (Jesus’ mother), the other Mary (Jesus’ friend), Jesus’ disciples and the few others who were grief-stricken over his death.

Joseph’s sudden appearance must have been a great relief to them. Had he not offered his tomb, Jesus’ body would have been thrown into a common burial pit for criminals.

Look at how much God used Joseph when he mustered his courage.

So I ask you, for what cause do you need to gather up your courage? What opportunities do you have? What platform has God given you? What access do you enjoy? What leaders seek your counsel? What political pull do you have? What financial resources has God entrusted to you?

What would happen if you gathered up your courage and, like Joseph, took the risk of a lifetime? The Kingdom of God has been built throughout history by such risk-takers. It’s time for you to be one of them.

Lord God, help us to gather up our courage and step up for your Kingdom, your name and your Church. In Jesus’ name . . .

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