“He hadn’t agreed with the plan and actions of the council.” Luke 23:51

Dear Friends:

On this first day of August, as the summer begins to wind down, our country takes no rest. As decisions made through political parties including influential donors, continue to push back and forth upon one another, it can be difficult to discern between right and wrong, just and unjust, truth and untruth. The line keeps getting redrawn in the sand. Is there collusion or do we call it something else? Are major political party supporters removing their support or re-directing their support to gain more power or claim innocence? Before we know it, the midterm elections will be upon us and we’ll vote once again to agree or disagree with the plan and actions of the party. Sometimes, however, we must simply agree to disagree and take a stand that alters our course of action.

Today in seven o’clock early morning worship, we celebrated the feast day of Joseph of Arimathaea. Joseph, you remember is a high-ranking Pharisee among the Jewish people. He holds respect and authority as an expert in Judaic Law. While Pharisees are zealous in their observation of the Law, they are typically in disagreement with Jesus and his ministry. It seems they are ardent believers in the coming of God’s kingdom which will save us all. While Jesus proclaims to be the one who saves, the one who ushers in God’s kingdom, the Pharisees are not anticipating this radical rule breaker as their savior. But, Joseph of Arimathaea, a good and righteous man, is wondering if Jesus isn’t the saving answer to a way with God.

Joseph is crossing political lines. He cannot collude with the decisions makers to rid themselves of this troublemaker from Nazareth. Joseph suffers from regret or sincere sorrow or disappointment at his political party. Removing himself from the ruling party, Joseph seeks out the approval of governor Pilate and requests the body of Jesus now hanging upon the cross. As a man of some wealth, Joseph possess a family tomb that has yet to be occupied. He removes Jesus’ body from the cross where Joseph has witnessed his humiliation, disfigurement and eventual death. He wraps Jesus’ body in a linen shroud and lovingly places him in the tomb. Joseph, always honoring God’s most holy Law, departs to celebrate the Sabbath, with the family tomb now holding who will become our risen Lord, the savior of all.

We reflect on the story of Joseph of Arimathaea and his courage as he chooses to stand in opposition to the powers that be for a God who comes in saving love for each of us. Little else is know of Joseph. He does serve as a reminder for us all in a climate troubled with untruths and questionable motives. Perhaps now, as we rest in these final days of summer, and take some much-needed rest and re-creation that we ponder the question, where and when are we called to step out and take action for what we know is the truth in our Savior Jesus Christ.

Today, our courageous action may or may not always be as bold as Joseph. Most importantly, we take action. On Sunday, with 8:30 a.m. worship and 10:00 a.m. Family Worship, we’ll continue with The David Series. We’ll learn from the prophet Nathan as he boldly challenges David for his king-sized sin in taking another man’s wife for his own and arranging for the death of the man. Nathan speaks condemning words for God which, in the end redeem David, but not without consequences.

BRING YOUR BIBLES on Sunday as we push through 2 Samuel 11:26-12:13a with a truth telling story for all to consider.

Stay following worship for a fellowship feast provided by the Christian Support Ministry Team. Kids, remember to bring your coins for Christ and for the glass jar collecting the tuition for our student at Hope and Resurrection Secondary School in South Sudan. Sunday evening, return for 5:30 p.m. Celtic worship promising a time of sacred music, and quiet, prayerful reflection with Holy Communion.

In the meantime, may you serve as a messenger of love, grace, hope and mercy for our one true God in Christ to all in your path.

Many blessings,

Hillary