A light cannot be hidden

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. After dark one evening, he came to speak with Jesus. Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things? I assure you, we tell you what we know and have seen, and yet you won’t believe our testimony. But if you don’t believe me when I tell you about earthly things, how can you possibly believe if I tell you about heavenly things? (John 3:1-2, 11-12)

As we might already be aware, just being a part of a religious movement doesn't make us right with God. Nicodemus was a Jewish religious leader, and he still didn't recognize the Messiah when he was in his own hometown. As a matter of fact, he was so 'intimidated' by what the other leaders might think, or what his fellow townsfolk might believe about him, that he came to Jesus under the cover of nightfall. He was curious, drawn by something he wasn't sure about, but wasn't willing to be 'outed' for his curiosity to those he worked and lived with each day. We might be afraid to admit we are 'curious' about Jesus, but even if we come under the 'cover of night' into his presence, we can be assured he will reveal himself and his purpose, and his grace will fill our lives. 

The thing we may not realize about Nicodemus is that he somehow managed to have this moment with Jesus, probably asking questions, seeking clarity because he was beginning to see something in Jesus that made him think he was no 'ordinary guy'. Jesus was very kind to him - taking time to speak with him, letting him ask questions, and probably even 'challenging' his beliefs a bit. Jesus is always willing to help us with our 'questions' - to help us move beyond any point of unbelief into a place of committed faith. We know something happened for Nicodemus that night that began to cement his faith because he was willing to openly stand up before his group of colleagues later on when Jesus was being badgered and criticized by his fellow religious leaders. We also know he provided the 'burial spices' for Jesus - something that would have cost him not only financially but would have opened him up to ridicule by his fellow leaders. 

When Jesus begins to 'cement' the truth about who he is and what he is about to do in our lives, we might just find that we are willing to 'stand up' - becoming 'open' about our beliefs where we might have been a little too intimidated to stand boldly before. I think God gives us truth - brings us into places of understanding - not so much so we can 'cement' it in our minds and hearts, but so we can stand up and stand boldly within that truth. We might seek his truth and wisdom under the 'cover of darkness', but Jesus reminds all of us that a light cannot be hidden. When truth is given, it is meant to become a beacon that draws others toward that truth. Just sayin!