Holy Boldness

Daily Reading:  Mark 15

The curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom.… Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Mark 15.38, 43)

Devotional Thought: When Jesus died on the cross, the curtain of the temple - a few thousand feet away - was torn in two.  That curtain was what separated The Holy Place from The Most Holy Place.  Only the High Priest (and only once a year) could go into The Most Holy Place.  No one else ever entered.  No one else ever looked behind it.  But, the curtain was torn in two.  The way to God was now open for everyone through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. 

Joseph of Arimathea “went boldly to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body” (NIV).  Before Christ died and the curtain was torn in two, this Joseph had been a disciple of Jesus – but only secretly (John 19.38).  So, as a disciple of Jesus, he was certainly following the crucifixion closely, perhaps regretting that he had not done more to save Jesus’ life or to stand with him in support.  Also, as a respected member of the council, Joseph was in a position to hear about the curtain being torn.  Perhaps he was even there, able to peer into The Most Holy Place for himself!    When Jesus’ death and the tearing of the curtain occurred concurrently, was Joseph somehow emboldened to come out of hiding, to make a public stand for Jesus?  Did he understand that he now had direct access to God?  Something certainly changed him, didn’t it?  Something made him bold!

What about you?  Are you bold in your witness for Christ?  Are you bold in what you ask for when you pray?  Are you bold in what you attempt for God?  You can be, for you have direct access to God through Jesus Christ!

Prayer: Lord, the scriptures tell us to draw near to the throne of grace with boldness, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  So I come, Lord, asking for your presence and help in my situations.  Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 9.7-12

7 But the LORD sits enthroned forever; he has established his throne for justice,

8 and he judges the world with righteousness; he judges the peoples with uprightness.

9 The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.

10 And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.

11 Sing praises to the LORD, who sits enthroned in Zion! Tell among the peoples his deeds!

12 For he who avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.