30-03-13 Podcast script
[Prepare]
‘I waited patiently for the Lord’s help; then he listened to me and heard my cry’ (Psalm 40:1 GNB). On this day of waiting, between crucifixion and resurrection, bring to God your unanswered prayers and deepest unfulfilled longings.
[Bible passage]
John 19:38–42
Joseph from Arimathea was one of Jesus' disciples. He had kept it secret though, because he was afraid of the Jewish leaders. But now he asked Pilate to let him have Jesus' body. Pilate gave him permission, and Joseph took it down from the cross.
Nicodemus also came with about seventy-five pounds of spices made from myrrh and aloes. This was the same Nicodemus who had visited Jesus one night.The two men wrapped the body in a linen cloth, together with the spices, which was how the Jewish people buried their dead.In the place where Jesus had been nailed to a cross, there was a garden with a tomb that had never been used. The tomb was nearby, and since it was the time to prepare for the Sabbath, they were in a hurry to put Jesus' body there.
[Main point]
Have you ever had regrets that perhaps you had let someone down or failed to do what you should have done in a particular situation? In today’s reading Jesus’ body is cared for by two people who were, perhaps, full of regret: Joseph, who had failed to reverse the Jewish leaders’ decision to crucify Jesus, and Nicodemus, the secret disciple who had earlier also tried unsuccessfully to protect Jesus.
Having tried, but apparently failed, they now did what they could to serve the crucified King. With generosity, sensitivity and tenderness they anointed his body, and Joseph donated the only thing that Jesus now lacked, a tomb.
Regret can crush us and hold us back, or it can lead to repentance – a turning to renewed action and purpose. There is always someone, like Jesus on Easter Saturday, who needs our generous service. Don’t get stuck bemoaning your own past – move on to bless someone’s future!
[Respond]
As you prepare for the day of resurrection, pray with the repentant King David: ‘Create a pure heart in me, O God, and put a new and loyal spirit in me … Give me again the joy that comes from your salvation, and make me willing to obey you’ (Psalm 51:10,12 GNB).