August 20, 2023
Isaiah 53.6-12 and Mark 15.42-47
Courage to Take a Stand

Isaiah was prophesying about how Jesus would take on the sins of the world so that we would be forgiven. He was innocent. Yet He did not speak up for Himself. The Romans were planning to bury Him with the other two they crucified. But He was buried in a rich man’s tomb, Joseph of Arimathea.

Isaiah 53.8 stands out to me because it asks the question, “Who of His generation protested?” In other words, “Who took a stand for Jesus?” Did anyone have the courage to take a stand?

I wonder what would have happened if Joseph and Nicodemus had the courage to take a stand during the mock trial of Jesus before the crucifixion. They found their courage after the fact!

I wonder how many of us are facing circumstances where we need the courage to take a stand before it’s too late. When that mob descended on the US Capitol on that fateful day of January 6th, who had the courage to take a stand to say this is not right?

When you are with your friends and someone suggests doing something that you know isn’t right or would get you in trouble, do you have the courage to take a stand and say no?

By the grace of God, we all have the power to make a positive impact in the world. And our youth, teens, and young adults can positively transform this world by finding their voice. God has so much in store for you. Pray for the courage to take a stand and let Him use you to do your part.

What’s the point? When you have the courage to take a stand, you can impact your life and the lives of others in such a way that it blesses them, and it blesses you. It’s okay to start small. Pray for the courage to take a stand and become the leader God has called you to be.

Amen. Invitation to follow Jesus.