S - Mark 15:42-47 (NLT): "This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, an honored member of the high council, Joseph from Arimathea (who was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come), gathered his courage and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus' body. Pilate couldn't believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman military officer in charge and asked him. The officer confirmed the fact, and Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth, and taking Jesus' body down from the cross, he wrapped it in the cloth and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus' body was laid."O - The Roman Empire and her soldiers were experts in torture, crucifixion and death. The confirmation to Pilate eliminates all doubt about the Lord's physical status and Joseph may have what he has requested because the Religious Leaders got what they wanted--a publically denounced, brutally humiliated, and torturously dead Jesus. Not only did they "end" the madness of this "Messiah's" teaching and miracles they sent a message to all other would be Messiah's. Don't mess with us … we will decide who is and who is not the Messiah. The disposal of this particular messiah had come off quite smoothly and ended as so many others before him had ended. Or did it? The ultimate proof of Jesus' identity does come through his lineage, teaching, miracles or sacrifice. It comes in his resurrection from the dead. God's Messiah would be of God's choosing and he would decide the terms and criteria of his Christ. Jesus taught, lived, died and rose again in and under this reality. The world (secular and religious) was not able to keep what it wanted but it did get what it needed a savior who really is Lord of all. "But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would never have crucified our glorious Lord (1 Corinthians 2:8)."
A - Jesus is life, but not life like this world. He is real, resurrection, irrepressible life and this is the life he gives to all who come near. My assignment, in this day and each day, is to live in the reception and anticipation of this life expressing itself, offering itself, to any and to all. This is the life I not only receive "by faith" but I experience in my spirit AND in my world. Why should anyone consider it incredible that God raises the dead? Why would any followers of Jesus live like resurrection life was reserved exclusively to future events when he is present in us and with us today … if two or three gather in my name? Think of the possibilities today holds!
P - Lord who is the Resurrection and Life,
I am so often caught in the maelstrom of what I want and what I need. The want is apparent and often the real need is not. I thank you for always engaging me and the whole world according to our real need. I welcome you into all of me and my entire world … unto resurrection life, hope and expression. Thank you for all you've done, are doing and will do because you are life and love and light; and you have set your affection on us and refuse to change your mind. Lord, breathe into me, my Jan, my world your irrepressible life. I yield to your awesome brilliance, limitless power and extreme goodness.
In them,
Steve
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