When I was a teen I was too embarrassed to mention His name in front of my friends, and loved God in secret. In my mind I applied the lyrics of songs to mean something about God instead of what they really meant, but would keep those thoughts to myself. I've grown since then, and everyone that knows me knows that I lift His name high. Nicodemus was just starting Christianity, he may have matured after that.
Sounds like he was hiding you from the wolves?
I would agree while the milk of the word gives us the confidence he is gracious it does not necessarily give us the meat to both will and do his good pleasure. Each person is responsible for the light he gives to encourage us as we learn; what is the armor of God? How do we put it on .How long to we wear it.
Somewhere I heard said , the put on in the Greek is a one time put on .That encouraged me.
As far as anonymous. I find it interesting in Hebrews 11 where God starts using what we call great men of faith, men of renown and the list seems to get less and less recognizable as the kind of faith that subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.
The list continues in respect to people whose names are not given (anonymous)
Hebrews 11. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection:And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment:They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented;
(Of whom the world was not worthy
they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And
these all, having obtained a good report “through faith”, received not the promise:
The anonymous (Of whom the world was not worthy
God hid. I am sure that does not mean the others who names where mentioned were more worthy.
It is like he is reminding us the first shall be last and the last first. It also should encourage those who are hiding because of pride. I think of Elijah in the cave when God asked him; “ what you are doing there”? or whats up Doc?
And he came thither unto a cave, and lodged there; and, behold, the word of the LORD came to him, and he said unto him,
What doest thou here, Elijah?And he said, I have been very jealous for the LORD God of hosts: for the children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword; and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.And
he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the LORD. And, behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD; but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but the LORD was not in the earthquake: And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a
still small voice.
The still voice I believe could of said silently come out your safe I will continue to honor my word.
