Its Time to Own Up for Jesus
Rev. Enoch Thompson | November 6 2024 | John 19:38-42
KEY VERSE:
³⁸ Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate's permission, he came and took the body away. ³⁹ He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. John 19:38-39 (NIV)
MESSAGE:
When it comes to sports and politics people freely show their colours and want others to know that they belong where they have chosen to belong. However, in current worldwide situations in the matter of religious choice, some people are forced to hide their conversion to Christ and their Christian identity. This is because such disclosure will bring untold hardship, persecution and even death. For example, a child from a non-Christian religious background who encounters Jesus Christ and accepts Him as Saviour will not be acting wise to flippantly declare their faith. They may choose to develop their walk with Christ privately, until such a time that by age and change in circumstances they can assert their individuality. Such disciples of Christ stay in the shadows and the background until such a time that they can own up publicly what they have owned all along.
Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus were two high-placed Jewish men who came to believe in Jesus Christ of Nazareth as their long-awaited Messiah. However, they found it necessary to keep their conversion secret. The proof of the genuineness of their conversion is seen in their role in the final services to the crucified Messiah. It may be that at this point they were ready to face the consequences of the disclosure of their relationship to the Saviour, and did not care what anybody said or did. There is a time to step up and own up for Christ, and sometimes in that radical manner.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
Secret discipleship is the exception and not the norm. Every believer must stand up to be counted for Christ. But if for a season you need to hide, do so awaiting the time when you can make your public declaration.
Do not hide behind this reflection and fail to let the world know that you are a born-again child of God!
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus, thank you for the freedom of worship that exists in many parts of the world. But I also know that many people face enormous persecution for the sake of their faith in you. Please give wisdom, discretion and direction to your persecuted people everywhere, and bring about quickly your Kingdom in which we shall be free to worship you always. For your dear Name’s sake, Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
DAILY word study: SECRET
The Greek word for “secret” here is kryptō (κρύπτω), meaning “to conceal” or “to hide.” It implies a deliberate effort to keep something unseen or unknown.
The use of "secret" in key verse highlights the tension between personal faith and public acknowledgement. Joseph of Arimathea concealed his faith due to fear of repercussions. However, when it mattered most, he showed his willingness to step forward. True discipleship seeks to proclaim Christ openly, affirming that our lives bear testimony to Him even when circumstances are difficult. Reflections: Are you ready to step forward and be counted for Christ? What areas of your life could benefit from a bolder witness to your faith?
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