Gathering Up Courage

Happy Summer Day to You, Friends,

Thanks for the kind words of "welcome back" from our many friends in the great Pacific Northwest and for all the friendly banter. I accept the picture of a cape-wearing country song writer, but I'm NOT giving up yet on my "reel" mower. (That sentence will make no sense to those who didn't read the comments from the last blog, but don't worry about it!)

When I report in again in two weeks, I'll share more of my summer writing projects . . . the next book, Kindle plans, etc.

But for today, I'm sharing a sampling of a devotional project. My long range goal--and when I say "long range" I mean that my unborn grandchildren may have their driver's license by then--is to have a year-long devotional series from the life of Christ (not just His three years of ministry on earth, but the Genesis 1 involved in creation to the Rev. 21 making a new heaven life of Christ.)

I share this sample devotional, not only to let you in on the kinds of projects I peck away at, but I also sensed that I was being directed to share this theme with you today. May it encourage, enlighten and challenge.

And, since it is devotional thought that arises from Scripture, perhaps you grab your Bible and read the context for what follows.

Today's Reading: Mark 15:42-47
Gathering Up Courage

I once believed that the bravest of all people where those who never experienced fear. I now see that I was wrong.

Today’s reading introduces us to a fascinating man: Joseph the Councilman. He was one of the most respected men in Israel. From what we read in the Gospels, we can safely conclude that he was considered one of the nation’s top spiritual and political leaders and that he was wealthy. He had position, prestige and clout.

He also had a dilemma.

A young prophet arose within his land. As one of the political and spiritual leaders of the nation, it was Joseph’s job to keep an eye on such men. Prophetic voices tended to attract followings. Their nation’s history evidenced that these prophetic followings could cause a great deal of trouble.

However, there seemed to be something unique about this young prophetic voice, Jesus. He spoke as one who had authority. He backed his teachings with stunning miracles. He carried himself in a way that set Him apart from everyone else. And, He infuriated almost all of Joseph’s peers.

Joseph wasn’t alone in his political and spiritual clout. He was part of a ruling body that had genuine authority. Certainly, their authority was carefully restricted and monitored by the Roman government. But, even the sword-wielding Romans knew that the Jewish people were more governable if their own Jewish Council had freedom to operate. Besides, the Romans really didn’t want to get tangled in the maze of Jewish religion.

The majority of the Jewish Council quickly concluded that Jesus was dangerous and blasphemous. His obvious claims to deity deserved nothing less than death. As various attempts to capture and kill Jesus were thwarted, their anger grew. Jesus must die.

One dissenting voice on the Council was Nicodemus. He secretly sought an audience with Jesus (John 3) and verbally defended Jesus in one Council session, but was soundly refuted (John 7:50-52).

The Scripture doesn’t record for us whether Joseph ever spoke up on the Council in Christ’s defense or not. We do know, however, that the life and message of Jesus had impacted him to the point that he had chosen to do something incredibly risky: Joseph the Councilman had become a disciple of Jesus (Matthew 27:57).

However, it is very likely that Joseph—out of self-preservation—had kept secret his decision to follow Christ. The Scripture makes no indication that Joseph made his discipleship publicly known until the crucifixion.

Mark’s description of Joseph’s decision to become identified with Jesus is telling,

“Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God … gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus.” (15:43 NASB)

I once believed that those who had no fear were the most courageous. I now understand that courage is most necessary when fear is present. The one who feels no fear and walks into a situation may be confident or naïve or some combination of the two. But the person who is deeply afraid—yet refuses to let fear win—is the one expressing courage.

Joseph, knowing full well the political risk he was taking, overcomes his deeply held fear, “gathers up courage” and asks for the dead body of the nation’s most wanted criminal. Joseph could hardly have picked a more politically incorrect time to publically identify himself with the Christ.

By taking the responsibility for the proper burial of the body, Joseph was aiding the resistance, siding with the condemned and defying his Council’s decision. From a human standpoint, his political career was over. And, for all we can tell, he didn’t care.

As Joseph watched the horrendous events unfold and result in the unjust death, something shifted in Joseph’s heart. He went from passivity to action; from silence to the boldest of public statements.

With permission granted from Pilate and in full view of the public, Joseph makes the necessary arrangements for burial. He goes to a local vendor, purchases a linen cloth and carries his purchase to the crucifixion hill. In the presence of soldiers and gawkers, Joseph removes the shredded body of Jesus from the cross and lovingly wraps it in the cloth. Next, he transports the body to his own tomb. He lays the corpse of Christ in the place he had prepared for his own body to be laid someday. And, as the last light of day fades, Joseph is last seen in Scripture securing the tomb with a large stone.

It is quite likely that he “sealed” his own fate in the process.

Application: We’ll pick up this theme again, but today’s lesson causes us to pause and ask if there is any place in our lives where we are being silent when we should not be. Does our commitment to follow Christ compel us to speak up when our fear keeps us in silence? Is there some place in our lives that, like Joseph, we need to “gather up courage?”

Benediction: May the God of wisdom grant you discernment to know when it is yours to speak and when to remain silent. May the God of courage grant you the boldness to do what is right. May the God of peace calm your spirit. May the God of grace permeate your every word and action with his sweetness.