Happy Friday! Here is devotion 5 of 5 from our guest writer Dora Lozano. May the Lord bless you today and throughout the weekend.
“Late in the afternoon, since it was the Day of Preparation (that is, Sabbath eve), Joseph of Arimathea, {ar-uh-muh-thee-uh} a highly respected member of the Jewish Council, came. He was one who lived expectantly, on the lookout for the kingdom of God. Working up his courage, he went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Pilate questioned whether he could be dead that soon and called for the captain to verify that he was really dead. Assured by the captain, he gave Joseph the corpse.” – Mark 15:42-45 (MSG)
Joseph of Arimathea, was a courageous man! Joseph was part of the Jewish Sanhedrin, the
high court of the Jews. The fact that Joseph, was part of the Council and asked for the body of Christ may be a sign that he was not in agreement with the decision that Jesus be killed. Joseph knew the true identity of Jesus. When Joseph asked for Jesus body, Pilate was
surprised that Jesus had died so quickly because people who were crucified lived two to three days on the cross.
It was completely extraordinary that Jesus died so quickly. It was also unusual for a non-family member to request the body of a criminal crucified on a cross. Most of the time criminals were left unburied and forgotten. Yes, our King Jesus was considered a criminal. However, Joseph, lived in expectation of the kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God being that through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ would establish God’s rule in the hearts and lives of his people, the overcoming of the forces of evil, removal of the consequences of sin, including death and the creation of a new order of righteousness and
peace. (The Macarthur Bible Commentary)
What are you expecting? Just as Joseph lived in expectation of the kingdom of God so do we.
People come to Jesus expecting the extraordinary and the unusual. Do you have the courage to create the environment for miracles to occur in your life and in the lives of others? This week we have talked about forgiveness, trusting God, defeating the lies of the enemy and allowing the Lord to lead us. Today live in expectancy! Be the vessel of hope that others will go to for prayer and support. Be vulnerable, share your story/testimony and the hope of your salvation, Jesus Christ.
Prayer:
Father God you are faithful. We thank you for examples for us to follow from your word. Help us to live in hopeful expectation of the Kingdom of God. Give us the courage to share our faith to offer love, prayer and hope! Let us lead our lives in such a way that people are drawn to us because they see You in us. Nourish us with your presence. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Dora’s Biography
Dora Lozano is a faithful follower of Christ living out her faith daily. Dora is the mother of two amazing children. The eldest is in their junior year at university. The youngest is heading in to their sophomore year of high school. Dora has spent twenty-nine years working in the California Community College system. Currently, Dora is an academic counselor for foster youth and homeless youth at a community college in Southern California. Dora’s personal mission statement is to “Love God, Do Good and Serve Others”. Dora lives out her mission through her work and in her faith community where she serves on the usher team. Dora enjoys spending time with her children and her sweet puppy dog. As a family they enjoy being loud and silly, listening to Korean pop music, taking road trips, making popcorn and watching movies. Dora is honored to be a guest contributor on the devotional for Mary E. White Ministries.
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to:
prayerrequest@maryewhiteministries.com
Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com
Devotion Written By: Dora Lozano
Photo Credit: Dora Lozano
Mary E. White Ministries 