John chapter 19 verses 38-42 (NIV)
Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jewish leaders. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 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.
Joseph had previously been afraid to speak of his faith in Jesus. So what changed? At the worst time to declare where he stood, he found his courage and went to Pilate himself to ask for Jesus’ body. He went with Nicodemus who had also at one time been afraid. Perhaps it was the very injustice at what had been done to Jesus which meant they could no longer stay silent, despite the risks. I think that when they took that step of faith, which would put their own lives at risk, they would have found a courage and strength that was not their own. God would have empowered them to do what needed to be done.
Sometimes we too can be afraid to be bold, but if we are willing to trust in God, no matter the risk, be it to our reputation or even livelihood, we will find courage and strength that is not from ourselves, but from the Holy Spirit that will allow us to do God’s will in obedience.
Dear Lord,
Help me put my own fear or anxieties aside to be obedient to Your will, confident that the Holy Spirit will strengthen and enable me to do what You require, I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.