Recently while reading a very familiar passage, I found something that gave me a moment of pause. As I examined the passage more closely, I saw two men with a total “fear of men” who did something so brave. What transformed these fearful men?
“Afterward Joseph of Arimathea, who had been a secret disciple of Jesus (because he feared the Jewish leaders), asked Pilate for permission to take down Jesus’ body from the cross. When Pilate gave permission, Joseph came and took the body away. With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night. He brought about seventy-five pounds of perfumed ointment made from myrrh and aloes.” (John 19:38,39)
What happened to these secret disciples that produced such boldness? Here we have “Joe” going before Pilate the Governor to ask to take down the body of Jesus. This Grace-drenched moment conquered the fear that was innately in “Joe’s” heart. This same Grace provoked “Nic” to bring the anointing oil for the burial of Jesus’s crucified body. Two fearful men, ‘Joe and Nic’ were used by God in a historical moment. Even men with the heart of a lion ( II Sam. 17:10), can be paralyzed with fear. How ironic that a “secret” disciple was given the courage to face the Governor whose FEAR OF MEN provoked him to turn Jesus over to be crucified. This powerful Governor melted in fear of the screaming crowd! The Adventure of “Joe and Nic” is a reminder to us today, that even fearful disciples of Jesus can be greatly used by God.
One other aspect of “The Adventures of Joe and Nic,” they did the work of servants. Removing Jesus’ beaten and broken body would normally be done by their servants. But these two “secret disciples” did the work themselves and what a profound experience of handling the beaten, broken and bruised body of Christ. Joe and Nic walking against their fear were given the privilege of smearing Jesus’ body with myrrh and aloes. If they could, “Joe and Nic” would tell you that Grace drenched moments are unforgettable adventures.
“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trust in the LORD is safe.” (Prov. 29:25)
MINISTRY LETTERS:
Cards from Mother and Daughter:
I can’t even tell you what the gift of the book and DVD meant to Olivia & me. Not to mention the handwritten note from you! Olivia was overjoyed with the book. God has truly blessed you with special insight. I am sure it is due to your willingness to obey His calling! (Mom)
Thank you so much for the book, “A Man Worth Waiting For.” I will treasure this book forever, especially since you autographed it for me. The Lady in Waiting Study has helped me find what God means to me and how He wants to protect me…Thank you again it really meant a lot to me. Love, Olivia (daughter)
Since 1972 I have taught thousands of girls to discern good guys from BOZO guys.. Recently chatting with a granddaughter about what made one guy stand out more than others (they sing in the same school choir). She said, “He loves Jesus so much Mimi.” I smiled and asked, “How do you know he loves Jesus so much?” Her immediate reply was, “He talks about Jesus all the time and he has so much joy when he talks about Jesus.” Nothing more needed to be said by this Mimi.
Continuing our Adventure with Jesus,
Ken and Jackie Kendall