The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 30 March 2024 – Give The Master The Best He Deserves
TOPIC: Give The Master The Best He Deserves
READ: John 19: 38-42 (NKJV)
- After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave [him] permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.
- And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
- Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
- Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.
- So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation [Day,] for the tomb was nearby.
THE MESSAGE:
Joseph of Arimathea was a prosperous, prominent businessman and a member of the Sanhedrin. He went to request the body of Jesus and was joined by Nicodemus, a Pharisee, who had earlier had a secret encounter with Jesus in John 3. The actions of the two men showed their strong faith and love for Christ at the moment when the hierarchy of leadership was against Him. They used their positions and influence in society to honour their master out of their care, delight, and gratuitous love to serve Him. They didn’t do this because of what they would get because at this point, Jesus was already dead! Jesus was buried in a new tomb carved out of the stone of a hillside and with excessive spices which were features of the royal funerals of Israel and were appropriate for him (2 Chronicles 16: 14). These men gave their Lord the best burial any man could imagine!
We should use our positions and influence to bring glory to the Lord and never be ashamed to identify with Christ and His Church in difficult times. We must give our Lord the best that He deserves! We have Christians in our parishes who seek no applause or recognition and yet love Jesus! It is not those who put up the greatest shows in the Church, who are always the closest friends of Christ.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help me to use all that I have for Your glory and honour; Amen
