Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus earlier and was both a ruler and a Pharisee, spoke up. "Does our Law decide about a man's guilt without first listening to him and finding out what he is doing?" John 7:50-51
Nicodemus was a brave man. The Pharisees and the High Priests had a lot power. Earlier in the chapter it is mentioned that people in the crowd were talking in guarded whispers because of the intimidating Jewish leaders. Yet Nicodemus was prepared to speak up about something he felt was wrong. He had a lot to lose yet wasn't intimidated by the rest of the Pharisees.
It takes a lot of courage to stand up for something we believe in or for someone we feel has been wronged. In the process we risk being vilified ourselves or ostracised. It can come at a great cost. Yet it is what Christians are supposed to do. It's about justice and fairness.
Help me God to have the courage to stand up and be counted when I need to.
Courage, Brother, do not stumble
ReplyDeleteThough the path be dark as night;
There's a star to guide the humble;
Trust in God and do the right.
Let the road be long and dreary,
And its end far out of sight.
Foot it bravely, strong or weary;
Trust in God and do the right,
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