Clandestine No More

The actions of two men, men who previously hid in the shadows as secret followers of Jesus, deserve our attention this Easter Week. In John 19:38-43, we discover the bold actions Joseph and Nicodemus took. Please read aloud.

Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body. He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night. Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs. At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Between the agony of Gethsemane and the sunrise of Easter morning, the courageous actions of these two men speak down through the ages.

Joseph of Arimathea, previously paralyzed by fear, made a daring public move; he went to Pilate. (Imagine that!) And, Nicodemus, (John 3), whose behavior indicates he also wrestled with demons of fear, came forward to help Joseph with the burial preparation.

“They made a difference because they made a decision to step out of their fear and step up to meet the need of the Savior.”

— Living with Eternal Intentionality®

What stands out?

• Joseph and Nicodemus shared a fear. But more importantly, they shared a boldness. By publicly coming forward to care for Jesus’ crucified body, they fully identified themselves with Him.

• Joseph and Nicodemus took the initiative to do the right thing, even when the right thing was the hard thing. They made a difference because they made a decision to step out of their fear and step up to meet the need of the Savior.

• Joseph and Nicodemus worked together; these men needed the support of the other to accomplish the demanding task that so desperately needed to be done.

Joseph and Nicodemus dramatically demonstrate that Jesus changes people. Out of darkness into light, He leads us. From the bondage of fear, He frees us. Oh, hallelujah! Isn’t this the amazing message of Easter?!

Living With Eternal Intentionality®

How is Jesus changing you?

When have you had to step out of the shadows of secrecy and follow Him?

Describe how you overcame fear to identify with our Savior.

What about the actions of these two men give you hope and encouragement this Easter?

Easter Oven Surprise

Oven Surprise Sticky Rolls

Surprise your household with this amazing treat on Easter morning! Made the day before, they rest in the oven overnight and only need to be baked right before serving.

Ingredients:

1 package Rhodes Frozen Dinner Rolls (18-24)

1 C. chopped pecans

1 C. brown sugar

1 small package of Cook & Serve Butterscotch Pudding

1 stick butter

Cinnamon

Instructions:

Spray a 9x13 pan with cooking spray to grease the dish.

Line the pan with chopped pecans and sprinkle a generous amount of cinnamon over the layer of pecans.

Space the 24 rolls in the pan.

Sprinkle the dry pudding over the rolls.

In a saucepan, combine the butter and brown sugar and stir constantly until the mixture is melted and comes to a boil.

Pour the heated mixture evenly over the rolls.

Spray wax paper with cooking spray and place the wax paper over the dish.

Place the pan in a cold oven and leave untouched overnight.

In the morning:

Briefly remove the dish and preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Remove the wax paper, return the rolls to the oven, and cook for 25-30 minutes.

At 15 minutes, cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent burning.

Remove from the oven and invert onto a serving platter.

Serve warm! Feeds 15-20

Behind the Cupboard Door:

Granted, we are celebrating Easter, but I have a story related to this recipe from a Christmas long ago.

Having traveled from our home in Budapest to spend Christmas with family in the U.S., I wanted to offer the Oven Surprise Sticky Rolls for our holiday breakfast. Unaware of this intent, my son arose first on Christmas morning and thoughtfully heated up the oven to be ready for baking our traditional Breakfast Casserole. Imagine my shock when the aromas of cinnamon, brown sugar, and warm bread woke me from a deep jet lag sleep. Stumbling downstairs, I thought, “YIKES! The rolls! No one even knew to remove the wax paper!”

Well, the Sticky Rolls were no longer a surprise, but after peeling off the charred wax paper and removing the burned portion of bread, the rest remained a delightful treat as we gathered to celebrate.

So here is a hint to add to the Instructions: Inform any house guests that your oven is occupied.

[Note: The recipe originated in years past from one of our daughter’s roommates. As always, when I share a recipe, I ask that you pray for me when you use it. Thank you so much!]

A Heart Wrenching Question

How Can We Pray?

“How Can We Pray?”

The question stares at each of us as we gaze—horrified—into the face of evil, destruction, suffering, and death. Today, I offer one shareable website, Stand with Ukraine, with regularly updated prayer requests. May this tool encourage you, your family, your friends, your Bible Study, your church, your small group, your book club, your cooking club, your neighborhood, your carpool, your choir to pray urgently and specifically for God’s end to this heinous war in our midst. As you gather in classrooms, fitness rooms, boardrooms, and family rooms, will you bring your heart and the hearts of those around you to pray for Ukraine and her people?

“I love the Lord because He hears my prayers and answers them. Because He bends down and listens, I will pray as long as I breathe” (Psalm 116:1-2).

Living with Eternal Intentionality®

The words of James 5:16b say, “The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much” (NASB). How does this motivate you to pray with confidence in the grievous day in which we live?

My prayer warrior friend Ruthie says, “I am learning more about praying without ceasing in regard to this war.” (I Thessalonians 5:17) Relate any way that can you identify with Ruthie.