Bound In Strips Of Linen

20/12/2022

John 19:38-42

After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus.
And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.
Then they took the body of Jesus, and bound it in strips of linen with the spices, as the custom of the Jews is to bury.
Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid.
So there they laid Jesus, because of the Jews' Preparation Day, for the tomb was nearby.

At a time of great sorrow and loss, and most likely, also of disappointment and bewilderment, Jesus’ followers lay Him to rest. What had seemed to be a time of promise and of new beginning had been taken away. Pilate gave permission to Joseph of Arimathea to bury Jesus’ body in a tomb — a tomb newly made — leaving no doubt that only Jesus lay there, and no other.

This was not the expected grave for a ‘common criminal’, this was for one of exalted position. Nicodemus prepared Jesus body for the entombment — using myrrh (one of the gifts at Jesus’ birth, according to Matthew), the anointing for burial. Also, His body was bound in strips of linen, mentioned as covering garments for High Priests, angels and all who are pure and holy.

Linen is made from flax, and as well as its use in garment making it was used to make wick for candles — to bring light. We see this in Isaiah 42:3 in a passage about the Messiah … A bruised reed He will not break, And smoking flax He will not quench; He will bring forth justice for truth. The Light of the World will not be extinguished.

All has proceeded just as prophesied. Now, God’s plan of salvation for mankind can be realised.

MEDITATE ON THESE THINGS

REVELATION 19:13-16
He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.
And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.
Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.
And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:
KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS.

MY HOPE IS BUILT ON NOTHING LESS — Reawaken Hymns

PRAYER requires CONCENTRATION

CONCENTRATION ON THE part of a Christian is of more importance than consecration.
[from ‘Biblical Ethics’ by Oswald Chambers]

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