DEVOTION ~ THE BURIAL LESSONS

Theme: The Burial Lessons 

Text: John 19:38-42

³⁸ After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.  

³⁹ And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds. ⁴⁰ Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury. 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 there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews’ Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

In almost every tradition, it is family members that bury the dead. However the burial of Jesus gave a twist in this burial process. In today's devotion, we will be looking at the burial of Jesus and its lessons. At the time of His crucifixion, it was the women with His mother that were closely following Him. Unfortunately, in exception of one disciple, the others were no where to be found. Two men who where not publicly acquainted with Jesus buried Him and there are lessons to learn from them.

Dear beloved in the Lord, you don't need to occupy position or earn a title in the church before you can help advance the Gospel. The Lord will reward you greatly like how recognition have been given to Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus who haven't been seen much as followers of Jesus. God will perform His glory in your life and that of your family if you are concerned about the things of the Kingdom. Use your influence to project the Gospel and to seek approval for the things of the Lord just as Joseph of Arimathea did.

Another thing to note is serving with your substance. You should not only be at the receiving end in the House of God but you also ought to give generously. Nicodemus brought  mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds purposely for the burial of Christ. Though he brought this, yet he was involved with the ritual of wrapping the body in strips of linen. Your money or donations to the church is not enough, get involved by giving a helping hand to serve. Sometimes, time and other factors could limit us, but in the limitations, we ought to do a great job. May the Lord grant us grace like these two men to see opportunities when they present themselves in the service of the Kingdom.

Prayer: Dear God, teach us by the leadings of the Holy Spirit to avail ourselves for Your service. Grant unto us a willing spirit to be faithful in advancing the Kingdom in every area of our lives and in all that we do that Christ will be preached daily. This we pray for in Jesus' name. AMEN!