Called To Act, Devo, Lent

Real Courage

Day 29
lent-challenge-day-29

Real Courage

Scripture

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.—John 19:38-42

We may be so familiar with the account of Jesus’ death and resurrection, that we may miss the significance of his burial. But burial wasn’t guaranteed for criminals who were crucified. In fact, the Romans often provided no burial at all to those they crucified. To add to their shameful death, they would leave them on the cross at the mercy of scavenger animals like vultures. But in some cases, they would relent and release them to family members to be buried. Add to this that Jews at this time, would not bury the executed in a traditional family tomb. The most likely resting place was a common grave with other criminals. Imagine if this had been the fate of Jesus.

It might have been except for the courageous act of Joseph and Nicodemus. Both, who ironically, had come to follow Jesus in secret. Even in the midst of fear, Joseph takes a significant risk. Mark 15:42-43 describes Joseph’s actions this way:

“It was Preparation Day (that is, the day before the Sabbath). So as evening approached, Joseph of Arimathea, a prominent member of the Council, who was himself waiting for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.”

Joseph was a prominent member of the Sanhedrin, the leadership council who had just convicted Jesus and sentenced him to death. Luke tells us that Joseph was one of the council members who made it clear that he did not agree with the decision. Think of this: Jesus’ family members didn’t go to ask for his body, but Joseph, a member of the council who sent Jesus to his death, did. That is courage.

Think of how far Joseph had come. From someone who must have been quite skeptical of Jesus at first, given Joseph’s role as a Jewish leader, to someone who takes great risk to ensure Jesus has a proper burial. A burial not in a mass grave, but in a tomb—a tomb that would soon be empty and reveal a resurrected Lord. Today take a risk and share Christ with someone else. They may be skeptical at first, but you have no idea how their life may change and the role they will have in Christian history.

This week we are focusing on the discipline of ministry.

Your Call To Act (C.T.A.) today is:

  • Pray: for 5-minutes, for one person you know who needs Christ.
  • Tell: us in the comments below this person's name.
  • Call: and tell this person that you prayed for him/her today.

⚡Share That You Completed Today's Challenge ⚡

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114 thoughts on “Real Courage”

  1. Warren M Campbell Sr says:

    We never know who the Lord will use or save. We just have to have the courage to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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    • Art says:

      Lord God give Warren the courage and boldness to witness Jesus to whom you bring before him – in Jesus name!

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      • Warren M Campbell Sr says:

        Thanks for your prayer my brother. God bless you and your family and friends. Bless Art’s footsteps.

        Reply
    • Jon Brady says:

      I pray for my best friend Vernard and my brother Shawn to know Christ. I pray for their salvation and openness to hear the word of God. I ask God for wisdom and boldness to share my testimony.

      Reply
      • Warren M Campbell Sr says:

        Will put Bernard and Shawn on my prayer list. My prayer for you Jon is that the Holy Spirit will use you to draw them to Christ. Amount every word that comes out of Jon’s mouth.

        Reply
    • Coach says:

      Family members that proclaim Christ but, only live in the shadows of Christ and not in the light of Christ.

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      Reply
  13. William says:

    My comment today is that I have never heard of the tomb or burial selection in that way. It was a act of courage and I see now the significance that I (we) can have on taking that same courage and sharing the gospel of Jesus. Thank you Vince for that today

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  17. Sheldon says:

    Lamon my older brother for many years he has struggle with drugs he need to be delivered he needs salvation.

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  20. PATRICK says:

    I will contact Pat again today and try to convince him that Christ is the only way to salvation. I pray for him often hopeing that he will finally open his eyes to see the truth. Thank you Jesus for the courage to continue.

    Reply
  21. Eric M. says:

    Praying for my friend Amy that she might come to know the Lord. Lord give me the strength to minister to her in a kind and non intrusive way so that you might reveal yourself to her this Easter weekend.

    Reply
  25. Chris K says:

    My friend Jez is in cancer treatment in the UK. I’m sending him a Bible and praying that in this time of uncertainty and isolation, the LORD uses the Word to open Jez’s eyes to see and ears to hear the voice of truth.

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  27. Ross Peterson says:

    I heard a good message a while ago that the main reason Christian men don’t share Christ with people in their various circles is they are afraid of being hypocritical because they have so many issues. The message encouraged us to use those shortcomings to others as testimony of Christs love and grace, rather than turning believers into instant “boyscouts”.

    Reply
  31. Troy Theye says:

    This morning I pray for a roommate that I just took in, He is a good man, down on his luck a bit. He is a godly man and believes in the Word and Gods work so we are going to continue to pray. We will also build on this as two men who will continue to help each other out as God would advise.

    Reply
  32. Lewis Thompson says:

    Believe it or not, there aren’t too many people that I know, that do not profess to be Christian. But the Lord gave me a name. I had to look through my address book on my phone. His name is Howie Stewart. He used to work at CP Manufacturing. A young man that partied every weekend and throughout the week. Pray that my testimony would touch his heart.

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  41. Samuel says:

    I know he knows him but Robin needs him more than ever to get his life back. He had come so far and needs to understand that this is just a blip in time and he can recover with Gods help and trusting in him

    Reply
  46. Jeff Brown says:

    I will make the call but I reflected on how to approach this and I think I will approach with some questions. Have you recognized Jesus the prophet as your mentor? Have you recognized Jesus the priest as your redeemer? Have you recognized Jesus the King as your boss?

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  47. Wade says:

    I’m going to invite all my neighbors to watch our church’s Easter service from last year on TV tomorrow.

    Reply
  55. rich says:

    OK, I will admit it. Personal invitation.witnessing/evangelizing is not my style. I am not afraid to let people know that I believe in the risen Savior but feel uncomfortable telling an unbeliever that I prayed for them (even though I do, especially family). Forgive me, Lord Jesus, for any hesitancy to proclaim Your name.

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  56. Kenneth McClatchey says:

    Daniel (my son) again. Praying that the Holy Spirit touches his heart and spirit this Resurrection Weekend.

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  57. G says:

    Lord, my brother, my friend, and my dad all need you. I pray for my brother that you will shine through to him in times he is feeling down still to his injury and as he continues to figure out who he is. I pray for my friend that he will continue exploring with you and overall living a life that pleases you and serves you. I pray for my dad. First of all, for his safety and wellbeing during these crazy times. I pray that you continue to feed him positive thoughts and allow him to have a great weekend. I pray that I can continue to connect and have great times with him. Please allow him to reconnect with you, and use me in how you want to go about doing that.

    Reply
  66. Chee Khiam Tay says:

    O God , thanks to people of Joseph character that stand up at the right time . Help me Lord to be a Joseph to take risk for Christ , for He already risked all he had for me.

    Reply
  68. LAVON LAMBERTY says:

    Praying for Cklair, knowing that if he accepts Jesus as LORD so might his son, Bill and daughters Judy and Kristin. Cklair just turned 91 years old.

    Reply
  71. Nate says:

    Sergei Robinson and oh man calling or messaging him is extremely scary, because he is not interested in God at all and has made that clear and now it’s been awhile since i last talked with him. Prayer for courage and happy Easter!

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