John 7:50

At that moment Nicodemus, the man who came to talk to Jesus after dark, spoke up. John 7:50 EFP 

It has been some time since Nicodemus name is mentioned—chapter 3, if I recall. Since there is no mention of any response to Jesus’ challenge, he is soon off the gospel radar. That is, until this moment in the midst of a holy diatribe about Jesus by his colleagues. 

I do not know if this was his first opportunity since the encounter with Jesus. I do not even know if this is merely the first recorded opportunity for Nicodemus to take a stand for his Lord. All I know for now is that he chooses this moment to speak up.

I believe the Holy Spirit has been moving in the heart of Nicodemus since that fateful night in the garden with Jesus. The pangs to speak up overcome his reluctance to reveal his loyalty for this Galilean itinerant rabbi. He picks quite a moment to speak up. But what is most important is that he does. And just as with him, my faith and belief in Jesus and his testimony mean nothing until I am able to verbalize it and speak up for that faith. May God give me more boldness to speak up for Jesus when He prompts me to do so. 

And just as I have no notion yet what he is inspired to say or the results of the words spoken, neither will I know the consequences of my confession until my lips share what God has placed in my heart to say. It is risk worth taking!