Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. – Matthew 6:33
Little is known about the man with a common name playing a small but critical role in the crucifixion story of Jesus Christ. Scripture reveals Joseph of Arimathea as a rich man, part of the 71-member Jewish Sanhedrin governing the people in the law. The very group falsely charged Jesus and turned Him over to be killed. Joseph, however, was a dissenter on that particular decision.
He went on to take the bold step of claiming Jesus’ body after death, giving Him the tomb he had prepared for himself. He afforded Jesus the burial of an honored Jewish leader. Joseph is remembered in history as a man putting feet to his faith, “and was also himself looking for the kingdom of God” (Mark 15:43).
As a disciple of Christ, like Joseph, you likely long for the Kingdom of God to come on Earth, the day when God’s rule reigns! Certainly, God has full authority over the universe. Yet His enemy, Satan, has been given the power to rule for this short time, creating hardship and suffering for many. Joseph encourages you to remember that Jesus did not stay in that beautiful tomb. He rose from the grave, and in resurrection power took his seat next to God’s throne to await the day, “when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as water covers the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14).
Keep your eyes on the coming day when Christ returns to rule over the earth and continue to go God’s way.
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