Today’s scripture: John 19:38-42 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Melody Merida):
Have you ever felt like you missed the boat on a tremendous opportunity?
Or have you felt like your chance to do something great for God was missed? I have to imagine that must have been the way Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus must have felt. They both were intrigued by this man, Jesus of Nazareth, and believed in him as the Messiah but they were filled with too much fear to follow him openly.
At the time of today’s scripture the one they wanted to follow was dead, which must have felt like an opportunity lost. I imagine these two men were filled with the “What ifs?” we experience when we wish we had done something but didn’t. What if they had expressed their faith in this one who they knew was of God before he died? Was it too late? They determined that the only thing they could do was give the body of Jesus the respect it deserved, a seemingly thankless task.
These gentlemen took wonderful care of our Savior when he was most vulnerable. The very fact that they are mentioned by name in the scriptures leads us to believe that indeed it was not too late for them. They took action and as a result they did not miss the opportunity to follow Christ after all; when the opportunity for a second chance presented itself they responded.
God is the same today, which means that the same opportunities for second chances are offered up to us as well. When we initially miss that first chance, the way Joseph and Nicodemus did, let us remember their example. Like these two gentlemen, may we never miss our second chances.
Thought for the day: What opportunity have I missed? How can I take advantage of the second chances God is sending my way?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.