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 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. Pray for those serving in America’s courts of justice to be wise like Joseph, considering Christ in the decisions they make.
Today’s Verse: Matthew 6:33
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Revelation 11:15-19
15 Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17 saying,
“We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty,
who is and who was,
for you have taken your great power
and begun to reign.
18 The nations raged,
but your wrath came,
and the time for the dead to be judged,
and for rewarding your servants, the prophets and saints,
and those who fear your name,
both small and great,
and for destroying the destroyers of the earth.”
19 Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark of his covenant was seen within his temple. There were flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder, an earthquake, and heavy hail.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
