Matthew 27:57-58

“…there came a rich man from Arimathea, named Joseph, who himself had also become a disciple of Jesus. This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him.”

While we need women of devotion in the Church, we also need men of influence who are committed and devoted disciples. One of the reasons why the Church sometimes loses out in the public arena is because we lack voices of authority and influence in the places that matter. While the Church does not depend on human machinery to make progress, however, the Church will not reject human machineries when God chooses to use them. We will not target wealthy and influential people with the gospel because they are rich and influential. Notwithstanding, when God decides to give His Church such persons, they must be willing to use their influence for the benefit of the Church.

Joseph of Arimathea was a bold and influential disciple. He had enough respectability to get Pilate’s attention, and he used his power to make a bold request from Pilate. Even though Jesus was crucified as a criminal, he was willing to identify with Jesus publicly; not minding that the shame of Christ could affect his public status. If not for Joseph, the body of Jesus may have been simply thrown away and ignobly disposed of as the Romans usually did with the bodies of criminals crucified at the cross. Joseph took a stand for Jesus, and it paid off. Where are the men of influence in the Church? It’s time to step forward for Christ and use your God-given influence for Christ and His Church.

“Lord, burden the hearts of Your many influential disciples, that they may step out of their hiding places and become vocal and strategic voices for the Church. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”