Bible Study

Just for your thoughts.
Joseph of Arimathea — An Alternative Perspective
There is a certain sadness in the story of Joseph of Arimathea.
He was the man who provided a tomb for Jesus. He was a member of the powerful Jewish council. The Bible tells us that he did not agree with the decision and punishment imposed on Jesus by the council.
But nowhere does the Bible say that he raised his voice against that unjust decision.
This is one of the great tragedies of life.
We give flowers to people’s graves after they have died, when those flowers should have been given to them while they were alive.

We express the appreciation and gratitude that should have been spoken to them while they were alive only in their obituaries and memorial services after they are gone.
A word of appreciation spoken to a person while they are alive is worth far more than countless words of praise spoken after their death.
— William Barclay
Remaining silent in the face of injustice is also a form of sin.
For the sake of our comfort, opportunities, and security, remaining silent and failing to stand for justice simply because we want to go along with the majority is also wrong.
Failing to appreciate the right person,

at the right time,

in the right place,

and in the right way

is also a form of injustice.
Sadly, this has become something like an epidemic in Christianity.
Those who flatter people who are not truly worthy of praise simply because of their position, status, or influence in society are spiritually cowardly.
At the same time, we often hesitate to appreciate the humble, the truthful, the honest, and those who genuinely deserve recognition.
Such hypocrites who wear a double face are found in abundance within Christianity.
Appreciating someone because of their position is not the mark of Christianity; appreciating someone because of their character, integrity, and faithfulness is.
When Christianity comes forward to recognize the humble, honor the honest, speak up for truth, and stand against injustice, then the genuine growth and maturity of Christianity will become visible to the world.
Joseph of Arimathea came forward courageously after the death of Jesus. That is certainly something worthy of appreciation. Yet his life also raises another important question for us:
“Was there ever a time when I should have spoken up for the truth, but remained silent?”
That is the question we need to ask ourselves.
“Remaining silent when we should do what is right is, in effect, giving support to those who do what is wrong.”
Therefore, let us value people while they are still alive.

Let us appreciate those who deserve appreciation while they are still with us.

Let us speak up where justice demands a voice.

Let us stand courageously when the truth requires us to stand.
Before we place flowers on someone’s grave, let us place our love, appreciation, and gratitude into the lives of those who are still living.
In the service of God,