Good Friday

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, who was a disciple of Jesus-but secretly because of his fear of the Jews- asked Pilate that he might remove Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, so he came and took His body down. Nicodemus (who had previously come to Him at night) also came, bringing a mixture of about 75 pounds of myrrh and aloes. Then they took Jesus' body and wrapped It in linen cloths with the aromatic spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. There was a garden in the place where He was crucified. A new tomb was in the garden; no one had been placed in it. They placed Jesus there because of the Jewish preparation and since the tomb was nearby. John 19:38-42

Joseph was no longer a secret disciple, he was now opening himself up to ridicule by the Sanhedrin, as was Nicodemus. Both these men believed and both were secret about their faith, but the time had come to reveal the truth.

There would be many believers and many would be secret. However, there comes a day when the truth must be told, and on that day the power to stand is there. 

Even today, all over the world, there are dangerous places to be believers. The believers caught in Muslim countries face death for their faith, as do believers in North Korea and countries of oppression.
There will be many martyred for their faith through the ages, yet their strength will come from the One in whom they believe.

Today is Good Friday. It is good because today our Redeemer gave his life for us. His blood was the perfect sacrifice for all sin, for all time. I am truly grateful as I cannot atone for sin, not in the way that releases from sin, only One could do that. Amen!

All I have to do is invite Him and and repent of my own efforts. His sacrifice is all I need.


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