It is inspiring to see how God is involved in our lives, even in the smallest of details. I read something simple yet, in my eyes, an “only God” moment.
I had not realized that God’s orchestrations of the first and last person to hold Jesus were both named Joseph. When Jesus was born, Joseph, His “foster” father, held him. Following His death, the last person to hold Jesus was Joseph of Arimathea. The Bible doesn’t give us much information about these two men and neither one is quoted directly. Yet they had a significant role in Jesus’ life—the privilege of holding Jesus at such pivotal times in His life. It seems like a full-circle moment to me.
The Lord will accomplish what concerns me; Your faithfulness, Lord, is everlasting; Do not abandon the works of Your hands. –Psalm 138:8 (NASB)
If we remain faithful to the Lord, we are filled with joy knowing the Lord’s will for our life will be accomplished. We might not be grandiose in the world’s eyes, but we know in our hearts that we are allowing God to work through us. There is nothing insignificant in the kingdom of God, and He will never abandon us.
Do you take time to reflect on the little yet significant connections that God orchestrates to show that He is always at work in our lives?
The other interesting thing, a powerful little detail I had never seen, is found only in Matthew’s gospel account about Joseph of Arimathea.
As evening approached, there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who had himself become a disciple of Jesus. Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body, and Pilate ordered that it be given to him. Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, and placed it in his own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. He rolled a big stone in front of the entrance to the tomb and went away. –Matthew 27:57-60 (NIV)
We learn that Joseph of Arimathea was a member of the Jewish Council publicly and a secret disciple of Jesus. Joseph did not agree with the Council’s decision to condemn Jesus. As Joseph saw Jesus take His last breaths, it inspired him to step out and ask Pilate for Jesus’ body. Joseph knew in his heart that Jesus was the Christ and was willing to risk his reputation to honor Him.
Joseph performed a beautiful act of love for Jesus, taking care of His dead body, wrapping it in a clean linen cloth, and placing His body into a new tomb, his own tomb. What an example Joseph gave us all—giving Jesus a resting place—the resting place that was originally for himself. Joseph gave Jesus a great gift—a gift from his heart because of his great love. Jesus was dead, and Joseph provided for Him.
Do you let Jesus occupy the resting place within you?
Be encouraged this week to…
…see what little yet significant connections God orchestrates.
…reflect on the value of God working in the little details.
…let Jesus have all of your heart.
…risk your reputation to stand up for Jesus.
REFLECTION:
Is there a part of your life that you are not surrendering to the Lord?
Are you withholding love from Jesus, others, or yourself?
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” –Luke 6:38 (NLT)
