By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
SABBATH
THEME: ENCOUNTER WITH JESUS: AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE“
SCRIPTURE: Mark 15:43
“Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went in to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.”
REFLECTIONS
We do not know when Joseph of Arimathea met Jesus, but his biblical accounts indicate that he admired Jesus highly. Matthew 27:57 records, “Now when evening had come, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus.” Though Joseph was not prominently featured in the events regarding Jesus’ mission, Matthew relates that he had become Jesus’ disciple. He met Jesus at a point and loved Him so much that he admired and followed His ministry.
Mark 15:43 complements Matthew, stating, “Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent council member, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, coming and taking courage, went into Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.” This rich man was a believer and looked forward to establishing the kingdom of God. Luke 23:50-51 gives additional insight, “[50]Now behold, there was a man named Joseph, a council member, a good and just man. [51]He had not consented to their decision and deed. He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself was also waiting for the kingdom of God.” What a testimony!
Though a disciple of Jesus and devout member of the Sanhedrin, he served behind the scenes. Luke reveals that he did not consent to the council’s decision and deed, but the lone voice was suppressed. However, he stood his ground for Jesus when it mattered most. He boldly asked for the body of Christ and laid it in his virgin tomb. The kindness of this disciple provided Jesus with a place to be laid at His death. It is for this act of Joseph that Isaiah 53:9 prophesied, “And they made His grave . . . with the rich at His death . . .” In Joseph, the prophecy was fulfilled.
What is the level of your commitment to Jesus Christ? Admiring Him is not enough; walking with Him as His disciple is also necessary. Your kind deeds will lift Him up and give hope to someone in Christ. Joseph was described as a wealthy, devout, good, and just man and a disciple waiting for the kingdom of God. How would your life and walk with Jesus be described if your biography were to be written today?
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 281 – “I Gave My Life For Thee”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for showing you kindness and favor; thank Him for the blessings you have received; pray to walk with and serve Him;
– Pray for people who are yet to follow Jesus; pray for anyone caught in indecision; pray for people in positions of authority to live exemplary lives;
– Pray for members of the Church to continue to wait for the kingdom of God faithfully; pray for people in dire and life-threatening situations – those in war zones, displaced people, etc.;
– Pray for Christ’s death and resurrection to rekindle a revival among Christians; pray for divine healing for the sick, comfort for the mourning, and hope for the discouraged.
