When evening had come, and since it was the day of Preparation, that is, the day before the sabbath, Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate wondered if he were already dead; and summoning the centurion, he asked him whether he had been dead for some time. When he learned from the centurion that he was dead, he granted the body to Joseph. Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, and taking down the body, wrapped it in the linen cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been hewn out of the rock. He then rolled a stone against the door of the tomb.

– Mark 15:42-46

Pilate was a leader and politician, acquiescing to many loud vices yet protecting his position, shedding responsibility and taking qualified credit for his actions, diminishing his role as a good leader. He enabled others to resolve his lack of leadership.

We all confront leadership and a hierarchy of procedures in our lives. As Christians we are baptized, nurtured thru life in God’s ways with Jesus as our example, and guided to repent for our sins seeking forgiveness, and the everlasting life.

Believe in love and the goodness of all mankind. Out of qualified decisions, darkness, sorrow and pain, a new day will rise for new opportunities and the joy of our risen Lord for all. Joseph had a task and responsibility, as we have a responsibility to preserve and extend God’s love, and teachings leading by our deeds, loving our fellow mankind.

PRAYER:

Lord, each day help me to take responsibility for my actions and lead with good deeds, love and joy, being an example to my family, friends, community and the world. I am thankful for the opportunity each day to find fulfillment in Jesus Christ’s resurrection to enrich life. Amen.

– Doug Shuck