Risk

This word implies the possibility of loss or injury. I’ve taken my share of risks during my life. Some of them I’m embarrassed about and others I’m grateful for. I would not be the man I am today without some level of risk. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to calculate my risks a bit. (I can still improve on my math in these calculations!) I’m not sure a person can grow in any area of life without some form of risk. However, I can prepare for risk. If I do some research in a certain area. I can seek an education or training that will prepare me for any risk that I would face. I’m thinking of how our military prepares and trains for risks that they might encounter.

I came across a person who took a risk because of his position in leadership. He might have been a secret follower of Jesus, until this moment. Check this out….

⁴² This all happened on Friday, the day of preparation, the day before the Sabbath. As evening approached, ⁴³ Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. (Joseph was an honored member of the high council, and he was waiting for the Kingdom of God to come.) ⁴⁴ Pilate couldn’t believe that Jesus was already dead, so he called for the Roman officer and asked if he had died yet. ⁴⁵ The officer confirmed that Jesus was dead, so Pilate told Joseph he could have the body. ⁴⁶ Joseph bought a long sheet of linen cloth. Then he took Jesus’ body down from the cross, wrapped it in the cloth, and laid it in a tomb that had been carved out of the rock. Then he rolled a stone in front of the entrance. ⁴⁷ Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joseph saw where Jesus’ body was laid. (Mark 15:42-47 NLT)

I believe Joseph risked his position of leadership among the Jewish people. Jesus came to earth to reconnect people to God, The Father. It was obvious that the Jewish religious were law followers AND they added a ton of other rules, or traditions on top of the law itself. Jesus challenged their leadership on multiple occasions. Some of Jesus’ teaching got through to Joseph as well as Nicodemus.

I started thinking about what risks I take to follow the Lord.

I have had people not choose me to be their REALTOR because I’m bold about my faith. I’m ok with that as I’ve never tried to preach or push my faith upon someone else. I’m not embarrassed to speak of my faith either.

I can give generously and risk.

I can serve and risk.

I can love and risk.

I can lead and risk.

I have calculated the risks in following Jesus and the rewards outweigh the risks by a long way.  I want to faithfully follow the Lord the rest of my life even if it involves risks.

Pressing On!

Dwayne