November 12 - Secret Followers

Read: John 19:38-42

After these things Joseph of Arimathea, who was 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 away his body. Nicodemus also, who earlier had come to Jesus by night, came bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds in weight. (John 19:38, 39 ESV)

Joseph and Nicodemus had decided to follow Jesus as disciples, but not in the open. They were two of Jesus' secret followers. I can't help but think how that might have changed for them the day they buried the Son of God.

Do you ever wonder if they understood the full implications of all that was going on? Did they truly know who Jesus was? If they were too afraid to follow him openly why did they decide to claim his body?

I don't have all of the answers, but I feel like scripture points us to one possibility. The death of Jesus changed everything. Creation itself responded in some pretty incredible ways. The supernatural activity of the day may have been the push Joseph and Nicodemus needed to move beyond mental consent and into the realm of heartfelt following.

How open are you about your faith? Do you keep it a secret because of what you think others will think about you? If so, what will it take for you to move beyond being a secret follower to just plain following?

November 11 - No Consensus

Read: Luke 23:50-56

Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. (Luke 23:50, 51 ESV)

Jesus’ body was claimed and prepared for burial by Joseph of Arimathaea. He was a member of the Jewish council and had not consented to the murderous course of the religious leaders. Too often Christianity has broadbrushed the Jews of Jesus era, over generalizing them until they are nearly unrecognizable. Not all of the Jews, or their leaders, wanted Jesus dead. But without carefully reading the story it can seem that way. It can seem as if everyone really and truly was against God.

Even today we see this principle at work. Society had told us that Christianity is outdated and no longer relevant. To listen to mainstream talking heads it sounds like Christianity is starting to find itself on the outs. But that isn't the case. In all actuality, the detractors and naysayers are just louder. Like in Jesus' day, the opinion is often that if you yell loud enough and.frequently enough you will get your way. But getting your way is not the same as having a consensus. It isn't the same as being right. Decibel level has no correlation to correctness.

Don't be discouraged if the world around you seems loud and obnoxious. Perhaps someone is merely waiting for you to make your stand before they decide to join you from the shadows.