50 Now there was a man named Joseph, from the Jewish town of Arimathea. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action; and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb cut in stone, where no one had ever yet been laid. Luke 23:50–53 (ESV)

I think Jack Barsky was correct when he said, “You always want to belong to something.” Too many times as a follower of Christ we become more interested in belonging to the kingdom of this earth rather than the kingdom of God. We forget that the kingdoms of this earth are passing away and the kingdom of God is eternal. 

Joseph of Arimathea had a choice to make on the fateful night Jesus was on trial. Which kingdom would he choose? He kept his righteousness and did not consent with his peers in the crucifixion of Christ. In fact he put his life in his hands by approaching Pilate to request the body of Jesus to have a proper burial. At times we need to remember our citizenship is in heaven and have courage to brave against the kingdoms of earth to do what is right. This may mean being the only one standing. What in your life right now may mean standing alone? Do you consider being a part of the kingdom of God or are more of your thoughts about building your own kingdom here on earth?

Pastor Aaron Kruse