Secret Faith

John 19:38-39
After this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus; and Pilate gave him permission. So he came and took the body of Jesus. And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds.

It's interesting how Joseph and Nicodemus come into the light as followers of Jesus at this time. Why not sooner? Why not at the trial or in the garden or even at the plotting? Why now that there was little to gain and less to lose? Was their faith in Jesus genuine or were these acts simply out of compassion, pity or regret? Was this the least they could do at a time when the cost was reasonable enough to pay? (Ironically they were both willing to pay a higher monetary cost in the tomb and the spices than they were willing to pay in their reputations or positions.)
Isn't faith by definition something that must be spoken, acted upon and demonstrated?
The same questions could be asked of me. Is my faith genuine if I keep it to myself? Do I guard a secret faith or do I boldly proclaim it to my neighbors and friends? Am I more like Nicodemus and Joseph than I would like to admit?

Jesus -make me more bold and courageous to proclaim Your truth and demonstrate my faith. May I live fully in the light so that others see and hear You through me. Amen.