“The RoseBouquet”

Joseph of Arimathea was a rich man who had become a disciple of Jesus. After Jesus died it was Joseph who knew what to do, and had the courage. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. He was used to getting what he asked, and may not have had any qualms. Pilate simply ordered that Jesus’ body be given to him.

Nor was this man, Joseph, afraid to do work that would normally contanimate someone else. He handled Jesus’ body, (probably with the help of servants), taking it down from the cross and wrapping it in a clean linen cloth. Then they carried it to his own freshly hewn tomb in a rock garden nearby. Joseph and his servants rolled a big stone in front of the mouth of the tomb, and went away.

But look; verse 61 says, “Mary Magdalene and the other Mary were sitting there across from the tomb.” It doesn’t say whether they helped with the burial as we saw in Mel Gibson’s “Passion of Christ,” but it’s possible. At the very least, they were nearby and had watched, and could not tear themselves away yet to go home. This was the worst day they had ever experienced, and they could not switch it off so easily. They sat on the ground and mourned.

I learn from Joseph that if we do the next good thing we know to do, God will use it as part of His plan. Just step forward and others will agree and things will be completed. We may not all be rich followers of Jesus, but if we use what we have and know, it will be the right thing at the right time.

I learn from the women that it is important not to brush off and set aside our grieving process. When we hurt badly, we need to allow time to own that pain. Denying it does not help us. (It will only make us unhealthy).

PRAYER: Oh Lord, it’s hard to do both, but I want to be like Joseph, and take the next steps as they appear necessary, and even to sacrifice the things I’d set aside for myself, to give them to You. You won’t borrow them forever! On the other hand, like these dear women, I need to face and express my pain and grief when I have it, and not run away from it. Help me to do that too. Amen.

NOTE: As you can see we are nearing the end of our study of Matthew. There will be four more devotionals next week, bringing us to the end of chapter 28. Because I’m very busy with cleaning up Dad’s estate and preparing to move myself, I’ll beg a leave of absence for a while, and let you know when I have another study ready - perhaps in the fall. I’ll let you know when we can start up again. Thank you for staying with me through this study. I trust it has blessed you.

+++++Jesus is my King+++++Jesus is my King+++++

Blessings on you Today!
Ruth Marlene Friesen

P.S. Muriel’s older sister Cathy has gone to a party with plans to elope from there. But their mother is dying and wants to talk to Cathy. What is there to do but find her and bring her back - even against her will. How do you suppose Ruthe handled that? Find out by reading, Ruthe’s Secret Roses. Available in e-Book edition Softcover edition.