Leading a Faithful Responsible Life is Our Greatest Sermon

Luke 23:44-56
The Death and Burial of Jesus
It was dark from noon to 3pm. At 3pm the veil in the temple was torn and Jesus shouted with his last dying breath, "Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands." (44-46)
Joseph, a member of the Jewish high council asked for Jesus' body. He wrapped in linen and prepared a new tomb for Christ's body. (50-54)

This passage makes me wonder if the Sabbath is Saturday since the text alludes to preparing Christ's body on Friday, 'the day of preparation for the Sabbath' (Luke 23:54). As I sit and reflect on this text, I am envisioning the sudden darkness that falls on this land and think about how Jesus must have felt on the cross, baring our sin and shame, feeling completely abandoned and separated from God. These are feelings we all endure at some point in our lives - and for many of us, this feeling of abandonment could be felt for years. Yet Christ didn't ask for this, He did it so that we would have an opportunity to be with God for eternity. We need to be like Joseph, and cherish what Christ has done for us, despite what non-believers do. I continue to ask God to enlighten me and I entrust my spirit into God's hands.

1 Thessalonians 5:4-11
The Hope of Resurrection
But let us, who live in the light, think clearly, protected by the body armour of faith and love, and wearing as our helmet the confidence of our salvation. For God decided to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. He died for us, so that we can live with him forever... So encourage each other and build each other up... (8-11)

It is evident that God loves each and every one of us. He sacrificed Christ, not out of anger, but out of love. God gives us a choice to follow Him. In turn He asks us to 'think clearly' about the choices we make. We should strive to be responsible and serve the Lord by working hard. By leading a respectful life, we will have more opportunities to share our fatih with others. We would draw attention to the Lord by our diligence - our faithful, responsible lifestyle would be our greatest sermon! Thus, I ask God to protect me with His body armour so that I may lead a life that does not bring disgrace to the Lord, but joy.