Easter is coming!

By: Lorraine Dick

Two secret disciples – two followers of Jesus – two who bravely came to ask for the body of Jesus.  

When have you had to be brave in following Jesus? Was it a time when you needed to say something about your faith? Was it a time when you had to act on your convictions – even though everyone around laughed at you?  

Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus of the night conversation with Jesus, as given in John 3, were two wealthy men, members of the Jewish ruling council. Up until the death day of Jesus they had been secret followers. They had come to believe that Jesus was who he said he was – the Messiah come from God in heaven. Joseph provided the tomb and Nicodemus brought 75 pounds of spices. Both men gave their very best to Jesus, their friend and Redeemer. By now they were not concerned about their council brethren – they were more concerned with showing respect to Jesus.  

Jesus who was poor in life, was honored with riches in his death.  

As we pray this week, I invite you to talk to God about your fears. Use some of the verses from Psalm 56 and Isaiah 12 as you pray this week. We will be praying these verses together in the Sunday service.  

When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.  

In God, whose word I praise—    
in God I trust and am not afraid.    
What can mere mortals do to me?  

Surely God is my salvation; 
will trust and not be afraid.    
The Lord, the Lord himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.” 

In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord,
whose word I praise—    
in God I trust and am not afraid.    
What can anyone do to me?
For you have delivered me from death    
and my feet from stumbling,    
that I may walk before God    
in the light of life.