Thursday, September 29, 2005

Are you looking for Jesus of Nazareth? ...

"Joseph, of Arimathea, .... who was himself, waiting for the kingdom of God, daring the consequences, took courage and ventured to go to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus." ( Mark 15:43 amp)


It's amazing how the beating Christ took on the cross makes His rising so celebrateable in my heart. No matter how many times I read it ( Even just last week,) I find myself emotionally on the edge of my seat as if I don't know the ending, stomach turning from thinking of each detail he endured, and then shooting my hand into the sky with an internal "YESSS!" when the women arrive at his tomb.
"And they said to one another, Who will roll back the stone for us out of the door of the tomb? (16:3) WHO indeed!?!
Even as people pass the cross and 'wag their heads' at Jesus, even as they curse and say the ugliest things to this man, even as they mock His power, (at His last breath!), even in that ugly moment of our display of humanity in conflict with heaven, God , in an awesome display of mercy and grace rips open the curtain, signaling His invitation to us to come into His presence and be His.
I admit, I cannot even now fully comprehend the heart of our God. How I really long for my heart to be made like His.

How I long to be like Joseph.... daring the consequences... for what He was anticipating God to be faithful in.....

3 comments:

DJT said...

I observe your life and I suggest that you do dare the consequences. You don't see it because God's immense love is in your heart and you want more!!

Theresa said...

I totally agree with Doug! I'm viewing this from a totally selfish position, but I see God so much in you. I honestly think he placed you in my life to remind me that I am not alone. My struggles aren't the end of the world. There really are people who are walking beside me through this. And I thank Him for your willingness to "wait for the kingdom" with me.

Danna said...

AMEN!!! To BOTH comments! What a blessing! What an example! What an encouragment!