Take the Risk

Read Mark 15:42-47.

Wedged between the ugly-beautiful of the crucifixion and the glory of the resurrection is a story with deep implications.

I’ve read it many times, passing by quickly on my way to the richness of the resurrection. It is the tender account of 2 men – Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus – preparing the body of Jesus for burial and placing Him in the tomb. Profound itself – the Seed of Heaven being planted in the very soil of the earth He Himself created.

I think the moment is tender, heavy with emotion, deeply profound and worthy of deeper reflection. But for today, with Deeper Still just days away – one phrase stands out. In the New Living Translation,Mark 15:43 reads like this, “ Joseph of Arimathea took a risk (emphasis mine) and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.)

Joseph was once a follower in the shadows, now willing to “take a risk”. This boldness and courage doesn’t show up when one would expect – post resurrection – but in the stillness and uncertainty of the loss, the sadness, the grief of the death of a friend, a dream.  Let that settle for a moment.

We have the advantage as 21st Century students of the sacred page, to know the end of the story – Joseph did not. And still, he took a risk.

It is risky to go “deeper still” - risky enough with the beauty of the resurrection in our rear-view mirror – but in the midst of darkness, sorrow and even danger? Wow.

As you prepare the soil of your heart for the tender Seed from Heaven - consider Joseph of Arimathea. Consider taking a risk. Consider being willing to do whatever it takes to go deeper still in your relationship with Jesus. Oh friend, He is so worth the risk.

~Contributed by Kaye Hurta with Lifeway Church Resources