The Desire of Ages--80--In Joseph's Tomb

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Brother Richard, and Sister Dorine!!

The cross did it. Both Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea were so moved by what Christ experienced on the cross that they were "all in" for Jesus. They chose that FULL SURRENDER! Are you "all in" for Jesus by afresh looking in faith to His crucifixion? Knowing that the One who died for us is also risen and soon to return to take His children home to heaven, let us be deeply be in earnest to share the everlasting gospel so many more can experience the transformation of character that can only come when the truth sets us free and we have Christ abiding in us, the hope of glory! Without one missing, all of the fruits of the Spirit will be revealed in the life of one who lives by faith on the Son of God in affectionate obedience to all of His commandments up to the light God has revealed!

"Nicodemus, when he saw Jesus lifted up on the cross, remembered His words spoken by night in the Mount of Olives: 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' John 3:14, 15. On that Sabbath, when Christ lay in the grave, Nicodemus had opportunity for reflection. A clearer light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life. Now he recalled the events of Calvary. The prayer of Christ for His murderers and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned councilor. Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony; again he heard that last cry, 'It is finished,' spoken like the words of a conqueror. Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith." {The Desire of Ages, page 775, paragraph 2}

Don't be afraid of the future. Remember all that God has said and taught you from the word of God. Trust Him completely in full surrender continually. He will constrain you to the kind of service that is moved by love because He left heaven to take away your sin and give you a new life with Him that will span eternity. Praise God!!

[Beacon]

"Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying:

"Truly this was the Son of God" (Matthew 27:54)."

"These words were said in no whispered tones."

"All eyes were turned to see whence they came."

"It was the centurion, the Roman soldier"

"The divine patience of the Saviour, and His sudden death, with the cry of victory upon His lips, had impressed this heathen. In the bruised, broken body hanging upon the cross, the centurion recognized the form of the Son of God. He could not refrain from confessing his faith."

"Thus again evidence was given that our Redeemer was to see of the travail of His soul."

"Upon the very day of His death, three men, differing widely from one another, had declared their faith,—he who commanded the Roman guard, he who bore the cross of the Saviour, and he who died upon the cross at His side."

Jesus Paid It All....Are "WE" willing to confess our loyalty to Jesus with those we come in contact with ??
==============================
1
Alas, and did my Savior bleed?
  And did my Sovereign die?
Would He devote that sacred head
  For such a worm as I?
    At the cross, at the cross where
  I first saw the light,
And the burden of my heart rolled away,
It was there by faith I received my sight,
  And now I am happy all the day!
2
Was it for sins that I had done
  He groaned upon the tree?
Amazing pity! grace unknown!
  And love beyond degree!
3
Well might the sun in darkness hide,
  And shut His glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker, died
  For man, His creature’s sin.
4
Thus might I hide my blushing face
  While His dear cross appears.
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness,
  And melt mine eyes to tears.
5
But drops of grief can ne’er repay
  The debt of love I owe;
Here, Lord, I give myself away,
  ’Tis all that I can do.

Lyrics:Isaac Watts (1674-1748); Chorus by Ralph Erskine Hudson (1843-1901)
Music:Ralph Erskine Hudson

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon!

The crucifixion really stirred people's minds and hearts. It led to investigation of the word of God, and those who searched indeed found evidence that Jesus was the Messiah!

"Many minds were busy with thoughts started by the scenes of Calvary. From the crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless eyes were constantly searching the prophecies, some to learn the full meaning of the feast they were then celebrating, some to find evidence that Jesus was not what He claimed to be; and others with sorrowful hearts were searching for proofs that He was the true Messiah. Though searching with different objects in view, all were convicted of the same truth,--that prophecy had been fulfilled in the events of the past few days, and that the Crucified One was the world's Redeemer. Many who at that time united in the service never again took part in the paschal rites. Many even of the priests were convicted of the true character of Jesus. Their searching of the prophecies had not been in vain, and after His resurrection they acknowledged Him as the Son of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 775, paragraph 1}

To acknowledge Jesus as the Son of God in these last days includes intelligently understanding and appreciating His great sacrifice, yielding our heart and mind to the Holy Spirit fully, and then boldly sharing His love in the context of the Three Angels' messages (Revelation 14:6-12). We can be filled with holy boldness with all of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing as we fully surrender to Christ and behold His love afresh each day. Thankfully, He first chose us and is drawing us. He years for our cooperation and consent so He can renew us into His image, sending us forth as His missionaries!

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear brothers. What a God we serve!  How do we look at those who murdered Jesus?  Do you love them? How does Jesus look at them? He said Father forgive them for they know not what they do. On the other hand, some knew exactly what they were doing. How should you and I look at them?

 Now that the frenzy of excitement was past, the image of Christ would intrude upon their minds. They beheld Him as He stood serene and uncomplaining before His enemies, suffering without a murmur their taunts and abuse. All the events of His trial and crucifixion came back to them with an overpowering conviction that He was the Son of God. They felt that He might at any time stand before them, the accused to become the accuser, the condemned to condemn, the slain to demand justice in the death of His murderers.

I had not seen this before in the many times I read it. God's justice is just as much a part of His government as is mercy. They both met at the cross.

[Beacon]

"Nicodemus now had opportunity for reflection."

"A clearer light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life."

"Now he recalled the events of Calvary."

"The prayer of Christ for His murderers and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned councilor."

"Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony; again he heard that last cry, 'It is finished,' spoken like the words of a conqueror."

"Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established."

"The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus."

"Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith."

I want that kind of Unwavering Faith - Don't You!!
========================

1
Encamped along the hills of light,
  Ye Christian soldiers rise,
And press the battle ere the night
  Shall veil the glowing skies;
Against the foe in vales below
  Let all our strength be hurled;
Faith is the victory, we know,
  That overcomes the world.
    Faith is the victory!
Faith is the victory!
O glorious victory,
  That overcomes the world.
2
His banner over us is love,
  Our sword the Word of God;
We tread the road the saints before
  With shouts of triumph trod.
By faith, they like a whirlwind’s breath,
  Swept on o’er every field;
The faith by which they conquered death
  Is still our shining shield.
3
On every hand the foe we find
  Drawn up in dread array;
Let tents of ease be left behind,
  And onward to the fray.
Salvation’s helmet on each head,
  With truth all girt about,
The earth shall tremble ’neath our tread,
  And echo with our shout.
4
To him that overcomes the foe,
  White raiment shall be giv’n;
Before the angels he shall know
  His name confessed in heav’n;
Then onward from the hills of light,
  Our hearts with love aflame,
We’ll vanquish all the hosts of night,
  In Jesus’ conqu’ring name.

Lyrics:John Henry Yates (1837-1900)
Music:Ira David Sankey (1840-1908)

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear Brother Beacon!! O glorious victory that overcomes the world! Here are they that have the faith of Jesus. I too caught what you saw this morning.

    Nicodemus, when he saw Jesus lifted up on the cross, remembered His words spoken by night in the Mount of Olives: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. On that Sabbath, when Christ lay in the grave, Nicodemus had opportunity for reflection. A clearer light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life. Now he recalled the events of Calvary. The prayer of Christ for His murderers and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned councilor. Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony; again he heard that last cry, "It is finished," spoken like the words of a conqueror. Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith. 

When was Nicodemus converted? I don't know. I suppose like the disciples, he wandered in and out of trusting in Jesus with his whole heart. But, we do know according to what we read today, that he was indeed converted when he realized that Jesus was lifted up because of His love for him. Not only was he truly born again of the Spirit, but his faith was "firm and unwavering." By beholding Jesus uplifted, he was transformed into His image (2 Cor. 3:18). We too may have our fears overcome by the courage of a "firm and unwavering faith" if we trust the Lord our God with all of the heart. It is only by knowing Him intimately that we can have this faith, the faith of Jesus.

The days are coming when we shall need this faith. Those days are here.

[rahab]

Amen Richard!

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Praise the Lord, Remnant family!

Let us never lose sight of Calvary, and the significance of what Christ has accomplished for us.

"Many minds were busy with thoughts started by the scenes of Calvary. From the crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless eyes were constantly searching the prophecies, some to learn the full meaning of the feast they were then celebrating, some to find evidence that Jesus was not what He claimed to be; and others with sorrowful hearts were searching for proofs that He was the true Messiah. Though searching with different objects in view, all were convicted of the same truth,--that prophecy had been fulfilled in the events of the past few days, and that the Crucified One was the world's Redeemer. Many who at that time united in the service never again took part in the paschal rites. Many even of the priests were convicted of the true character of Jesus. Their searching of the prophecies had not been in vain, and after His resurrection they acknowledged Him as the Son of God." {The Desire of Ages, page 775, paragraph 1}

All of the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow into our lives as we abide in Christ in true surrender, full conversion. We can search His word and know it true in our own experience that we are following the world's Redeemer--crucified, risen and soon to come again!

[Beacon]

"From the crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless eyes were constantly searching the prophecies."

"Some to learn the full meaning of the feast they were then celebrating."

"Some to find evidence that Jesus was not what He claimed to be."

"Others with sorrowful hearts were searching for proofs that He was the true Messiah."

"Though searching with different objects in view, all were convicted of the same truth,--that prophecy had been fulfilled in the events of the past few days, and that the Crucified One was the world's Redeemer."

"Many who at that time united in the service never again took part in the paschal rites."

"Many even of the priests were convicted of the true character of Jesus."

"Their searching of the prophecies had not been in vain, and after His resurrection they acknowledged Him as the Son of God."

Just think---Through His Death Jesus opened the Gates of Heaven to "ALL" who accept Him as the Saviour of the word. That includes "You & Me if "WE" are willing to Trust & Obey Him. Are "WE" Doing that?

======================


1. When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
    Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
  Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
  Not a doubt or a fear,
  Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
  Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
  Not a grief or a loss,
  Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
  The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
  For the favor He shows,
  And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
  We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
  What He says we will do;
  Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)
Music:Daniel Brink Towner (1850-1919)

[Dorine]

After the resurrection the priests and rulers circulated the report that Christ did not die upon the cross, that He merely fainted, and was afterward revived. Another report affirmed that it was not a real body of flesh and bone, but the likeness of a body, that was laid in the tomb. The action of the Roman soldiers disproves these falsehoods. They broke not His legs, because He was already dead. To satisfy the priests, they pierced His side. Had not life been already extinct, this wound would have caused instant death.      
But it was not the spear thrust, it was not the pain of the cross, that caused the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered "with a loud voice" (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46), at the moment of death, the stream of blood and water that flowed from His side, declared that He died of a broken heart. His heart was broken by mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of the world.
If there is anyone reading this chapter that doubts God's love for them or that believes He is not particular about how we live then todays reading should dispel all such thoughts. Satan does not want anyone to grasp the magnitude of what happened at the cross. He knows that like Nicodemus and Joseph it will have a profound affect if hearts are open and honest.

[JimB]

Neither Joseph nor Nicodemus had openly accepted the Saviour while He was living. They knew that such a step would exclude them from the Sanhedrin, and they hoped to protect Him by their influence in its councils. For a time they had seemed to succeed; but the wily priests, seeing their favor to Christ, had thwarted their plans. In their absence Jesus had been condemned and delivered to be crucified. Now that He was dead, they no longer concealed their attachment to Him. While the disciples feared to show themselves openly as His followers, Joseph and Nicodemus came boldly to their aid. The help of these rich and honored men was greatly needed at this time. They could do for their dead Master what it was impossible for the poor disciples to do; and their wealth and influence protected them, in a great measure, from the malice of the priests and rulers.   

Not until after Christ's death were the fruits of Christ's evening with Nicodemus were seen. I've personally seen answers for a praying mother happen after her death. Don't be discouraged if you don't see someone you're praying for change right away. Some seeds planted take longer to germinate than others.

[Pastor Sean Brizendine]

Amen, Brother Beacon, Sister Dorine, and Brother Jim!

We need a faith that will not be shaken--and Jesus offers that to us! Look to Him and live! When you do, experiencing His converting grace by acquiescing fully to His will, the fruits of the Spirit without one missing will flow forth in and through your life to bless others! What a joy it is see how Jesus transformed Nicodemus and Joseph, "clinching it" for them by His death at Calvary!!

"Nicodemus, when he saw Jesus lifted up on the cross, remembered His words spoken by night in the Mount of Olives: 'As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.' John 3:14, 15. On that Sabbath, when Christ lay in the grave, Nicodemus had opportunity for reflection. A clearer light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life. Now he recalled the events of Calvary. The prayer of Christ for His murderers and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned councilor. Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony; again he heard that last cry, 'It is finished,' spoken like the words of a conqueror. Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith." {The Desire of Ages, page 775, paragraph 2}

So, is it finished for you? Are you fully convinced that Jesus is the Son of God, and do you fully believe in His ability to save you amply, fully and entirely, enabling you to live in victory over sin? If so, you have truly begun to experience the genuine, biblical "faith of Jesus" that leads to true rest of soul in the keeping of the commandments of God (see Revelation 14:12).

[Richard Myers]

Amen my dear friends! We are not done with the cross. We can be given a second chance because Jesus suffered for our sins. We have no way to pay for past sins, but Jesus took our stripes upon Himself that justice would then allow for repent sinners to obtain eternal life. In the Investigative Judgment, Jesus' suffering will stand in place of our repented of sins. Not only so, but the requirement for salvation is to love the Lord our God with the whole heart. So, past sins are covered because we truly did repent. Note what it was that caused Jesus to die. He was separated from His Father and suffered the wrath of God because He was made sin that we might live. That is to say, He had to pay the price for the sins of the whole world. This is what killed Jesus. Why did He have to suffer? Because sin demands punishment of suffering. Sinners will not burn in hell for eternity, but they will suffer for each and every sin. Satan will burn the longest.

     But it was not the spear thrust, it was not the pain of the cross, that caused the death of Jesus. That cry, uttered "with a loud voice" (Matthew 27:50; Luke 23:46), at the moment of death, the stream of blood and water that flowed from His side, declared that He died of a broken heart. His heart was broken by mental anguish. He was slain by the sin of the world.
     With the death of Christ the hopes of His disciples perished. They looked upon His closed eyelids and drooping head, His hair matted with blood, His pierced hands and feet, and their anguish was indescribable. Until the last they had not believed that He would die; they could hardly believe that He was really dead. Overwhelmed with sorrow, they did not recall His words foretelling this very scene. Nothing that He had said now gave them comfort. They saw only the cross and its bleeding Victim. The future seemed dark with despair. Their faith in Jesus had perished; but never had they loved their Lord as now. Never before had they so felt His worth, and their need of His presence.   

Notice there was a difference between their faith and their love.

[Beacon]

"From the crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless eyes were constantly searching the prophecies."

"Some to learn the full meaning of the feast they were then celebrating."

"Some to find evidence that Jesus was not what He claimed to be."

"Others with sorrowful hearts were searching for proofs that He was the true Messiah."

"Though searching with different objects in view, all were convicted of the same truth,--that prophecy had been fulfilled in the events of the past few days, and that the Crucified One was the world's Redeemer."

"Many who at that time united in the service never again took part in the paschal rites."

"Many even of the priests were convicted of the true character of Jesus."

"Their searching of the prophecies had not been in vain, and after His resurrection they acknowledged Him as the Son of God."

Just think---Through His Death Jesus opened the Gates of Heaven to "ALL" who accept Him as the Saviour of the word. That includes "You & Me if "WE" are willing to Trust & Obey Him. Are "WE" Doing that?

======================

1. When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
    Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
  Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
  Not a doubt or a fear,
  Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
  Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
  Not a grief or a loss,
  Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
  The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
  For the favor He shows,
  And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
  We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
  What He says we will do;
  Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)

[Philip T]

    They could rest little upon the Sabbath. Though they would not step over a Gentile's threshold for fear of defilement, yet they held a council concerning the body of Christ. Death and the grave must hold Him whom they had crucified. "The chief priests and Pharisees came together unto Pilate, saying, Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while He was yet alive, After three days I will rise again. Command therefore that the sepulcher be made sure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night, and steal Him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. Pilate said unto them, Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can." Matthew 27:62-65.   


    This morning, I was impressed with his fact, during Jesus' trial, the priest used Jesus statement that the temple would be destroyed and raised up in three days against Him, ye after His crucifixion the clearly understood the was referring to His death and resurrection, and the thought terrorized them to the point they went to pilot asking that the Roman guard be placed at the tomb entrance. Thus, verifying even more his resurrection.  God's will, will be accomplished. Jesus' death and resurrection are real and through them we can claim by faith forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

[Richard Myers]

Amen dear brothers!  Today we get a view of what it means to "believe and tremble."  A multitude have been taught they are saved because they "believe." The requirement for heaven is not to believe, but to love the Lord our God with all of the heart. We must believe with all of the heart, not part of it. Many believe there is a God, but do not trust Him with all they are and all they have. They cannot trust someone they do not know intimately.

The revenge which the priests had thought would be so sweet was already bitterness to them. They knew that they were meeting the severe censure of the people; they knew that the very ones whom they had influenced against Jesus were now horrified by their own shameful work. These priests had tried to believe Jesus a deceiver; but it was in vain. Some of them had stood by the grave of Lazarus, and had seen the dead brought back to life. They trembled for fear that Christ would Himself rise from the dead, and again appear before them. They had heard Him declare that He had power to lay down His life and to take it again. They remembered that He had said, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." John 2:19. Judas had told them the words spoken by Jesus to the disciples while on the last journey to Jerusalem: "Behold, we go up to Jerusalem; and the Son of man shall be betrayed unto the chief priests and unto the scribes, and they shall condemn Him to death, and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify Him: and the third day He shall rise again." Matthew 20:18, 19. When they heard these words, they had mocked and ridiculed. But now they remembered that Christ's predictions had so far been fulfilled. He had said that He would rise again the third day, and who could say that this also would not come to pass? They longed to shut out these thoughts, but they could not. Like their father, the devil, they believed and trembled.

[Beacon]

"From the crucifixion to the resurrection many sleepless eyes were constantly searching the prophecies."

"Some to learn the full meaning of the feast they were then celebrating."

"Some to find evidence that Jesus was not what He claimed to be."

"Others with sorrowful hearts were searching for proofs that He was the true Messiah."

"Though searching with different objects in view, all were convicted of the same truth,--that prophecy had been fulfilled in the events of the past few days, and that the Crucified One was the world's Redeemer."

"Many who at that time united in the service never again took part in the paschal rites."

"Many even of the priests were convicted of the true character of Jesus."

"Their searching of the prophecies had not been in vain, and after His resurrection they acknowledged Him as the Son of God."

Just think---Through His Death Jesus opened the Gates of Heaven to "ALL" who accept Him as the Saviour of the word. That includes "You & Me if "WE" are willing to Trust & Obey Him. Are "WE" Doing that?

======================

1. When we walk with the Lord
  In the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way;
  While we do His good will,
  He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
    Trust and obey,
For there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
  But to trust and obey.
2
Not a shadow can rise,
  Not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
  Not a doubt or a fear,
  Not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
3
Not a burden we bear,
  Not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
  Not a grief or a loss,
  Not a frown or a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.
4
But we never can prove
  The delights of His love,
Until all on the altar we lay;
  For the favor He shows,
  And the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
5
Then in fellowship sweet
  We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
  What He says we will do;
  Where He sends, we will go,
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Lyrics:John Henry Sammis (1846-1919)

[JimB]

The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith.

It took approximately 3 years for outward fruit to appear from Christ's interview with Nicodemus. Yes, time is short but just because you don't see immediate results from the people you encounter and work with don't give up hope. Keep praying, the Holy Spirit works on the heart not us. Its also interesting how the events that confirmed Joseph's and Nicodemus' faith shattered the faith of the disciples. It would appear that Nicodemus and Joseph had been studying the prophecies and recognized what was going on.

[Richard Myers]

Amen Brother Jim. In those three years they were working for Jesus.   Neither Joseph nor Nicodemus had openly accepted the Saviour while He was living. They knew that such a step would exclude them from the Sanhedrin, and they hoped to protect Him by their influence in its councils........

Nicodemus, when he saw Jesus lifted up on the cross, remembered His words spoken by night in the Mount of Olives: "As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." John 3:14, 15. On that Sabbath, when Christ lay in the grave, Nicodemus had opportunity for reflection. A clearer light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life. Now he recalled the events of Calvary. The prayer of Christ for His murderers and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned councilor. Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony; again he heard that last cry, "It is finished," spoken like the words of a conqueror. Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith. 

The cross did not convert them, but it settled them into the truth where they would not be moved.

[Beacon]

"On that Sabbath, when Christ lay in the grave, Nicodemus had opportunity for reflection. A clearer light now illuminated his mind, and the words which Jesus had spoken to him were no longer mysterious. He felt that he had lost much by not connecting himself with the Saviour during His life."

"Now he recalled the events of Calvary. The prayer of Christ for His murderers and His answer to the petition of the dying thief spoke to the heart of the learned councilor. Again he looked upon the Saviour in His agony; again he heard that last cry, "It is finished," spoken like the words of a conqueror."

"Again he beheld the reeling earth, the darkened heavens, the rent veil, the shivered rocks, and his faith was forever established. The very event that destroyed the hopes of the disciples convinced Joseph and Nicodemus of the divinity of Jesus. Their fears were overcome by the courage of a firm and unwavering faith."

Thankfully, Jesus understands our infirmities and will repeat over and over His Invitation to come unto Him and be covered by the blood that was shed at calvary on our behalf. What will be "OUR" response??

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1
On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
  The emblem of suff’ring and shame,
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
  For a world of lost sinners was slain.
 
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
  And exchange it some day for a crown.
2
Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
  Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above,
  To bear it to dark Calvary.
3
In the old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
  A wondrous beauty I see;
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
  To pardon and sanctify me.

Subcategory:The Old Rugged Cross
Lyrics:George Bennard (1873-1958)
Music:George Bennard (1873-1958)