Continuing to consider Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus coming together at the death of Jesus, we read. . .
“(40) So they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen cloths with the spices, as is the burial custom of the Jews. (41) Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. (42) So because of the Jewish day of Preparation, since the tomb was close at hand, they laid Jesus there.” (John 19:40-42 ESV)
Though disciples secretly, Jesus’ death was the circumstance that brought these two forward. They seem to have shrunk back from prominence as followers until all friends (except for John and some women) seemed to have forsaken Him. Perhaps the thing that began to bring them together was an awareness neither one of them had been in favor of the Jewish leader’s decision. That may have brought to light the fellowship they shared and one from which they needed to break away. In the midst of all that had taken place, maybe they were reminded of the Messianic prophecies in which they had held their hope and finally came to the conclusion, “He’s the One!” Having not stood for Him earlier, perhaps they viewed the act of taking care of the Lord’s body as the least they could do. So, each having been drawn to Jesus, they were brought together to serve together and honor the Lord with their kind act.
As I consider the writing of these focuses and each of you who read them, is it not the focus on the Christ that has brought us together to serve and glorify the Lord together? Let us never forget that crucial tie that binds us! As we have broken away from fellowship with the world and have been drawn to Christ, that has drawn us into fellowship with one another as well.
As John wrote. . .
“(5) This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (6) If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (7) But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” (1 John 1:5-7 ESV)
Oh, what a blessed fellowship we have been drawn into together! In our fellowship with the Son, and in our continued walking in His light which includes our fellowship with one another, His precious and powerful blood continues cleansing us from our sins! The blessed fellowship we have been drawn into together is one of ongoing blessing leading ultimately to the eternity He went to prepare for us. May we continue walking in fellowship with Him and with one another as we seek to serve the purpose of together drawing others to Him!
Have a great day SERVING IN THE ONE ANOTHERNESS WE HAVE BEEN DRAWN INTO IN CHRIST!
Carl
