BETTER LATE THAN NEVER!
And behold, a man named Joseph, who was a member of the Council, a good and righteous man ..., a man from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who was waiting for the kingdom of God; this man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. (Luke 23:50-52)
Have you ever been afraid to speak up or do what is right for Jesus? Joseph did not say one word when the Sanhedrin Council was plotting to have Jesus killed. Unfortunately, many of us sometimes back away from Church, or the causes of Christ for one reason or another. Are we embarrassed to speak up about our true convictions because we think others will reject us? Why do we have to see a crisis situation happen before we will take a stand for Jesus?
Joseph just allowed the Sanhedrin Council to have its way. If he was a Christian, he did not let it be known. Was he afraid? Was he ashamed of something in his past? Although not supported by Scripture, the writings of Nicodemus (who was with Joseph when he took Jesus down from the Cross) tell us that Jesus visited Joseph while he was in prison and confirmed that He had risen and the Joseph was forgiven for any prior indiscretions. God's forgiveness, grace and mercy is available to us today.
Although Joseph of Arimathea did not speak up in the Sanhedrin Council for Jesus, he later came to himself and began a life spreading the Gospel in the name of Jesus Christ. His conversion was better late, than never.
All of us should remember that it is never too late to accept Christ as our Savior while we are alive. However, if we don't do it before we die, it will be too late. Tell everybody you can, come to Christ while they have time. Even if they are old in age, or on their sick beds, coming to Christ late, is better than never!
Happy Resurrection Sunday!
