Focus: John 12:42-43 – KJV 42. Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43. For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
John 9:18-23
The reason the Jews refused to acknowledge and believe on Jesus Christ was because His Gospel offended the tradition of the fathers of which the sects, the Pharisees and the Sadducees were custodians. Even though they acknowledged His great deeds at the time, they did not want to be ostracized by the custodians of the tradition of the fathers. As it was then, so is it today. Many have come to discover that Christianity is not what the fathers had pumped into their offshoot; but they refuse to depart from the old ways believing that the people will see them as blasphemers or people of heresies. Simply put, they love the praise of men more than that of God. When Christ healed the man born blind and there was a confusion regarding the one who healed him, even though the parents knew the truth, as they did not want to forfeit the praise of men, they would rather the man healed share the testimony himself.
Our refusal to acknowledge the truth about Christ Jesus does not diminish Him in any way. Rather, like He said to us in scripture, if men fail to give Him the praise He is worthy of, God can raise up praise singers unto Him from stones. How do we explain taking benefit of someone and refusing to acknowledge him amongst others? Christ laid down His life for us that thereby we may live. It is crass ingratitude for us to refuse to give Him the praise for His doing so. When people behave as if allegiance to Christ is against known norm or the mind of God, even though they know that He is the only way that leads us to God, it leaves much to be desired. Today, many do not want to hear that a person is a pastor or worker in the vineyard of God. Not because they do not believe in the works of Christ, but because it has become fashionable to denigrate pastors and they prefer to be praised by men for doing so too.
Today, the Lord will open our eyes to see the danger in countenancing the praise of men over that of God, in Jesus’ name. It is better to be praised by God saying well done, thou good and faithful servant, than to be praised by men to no eternal consequence. Therefore, by the power in the name of Jesus, may God grant us the grace to receive His praise in the end, in Jesus’ name. May the testimony of the things God has done for you in the past birth greater miracles and cause for celebrations in your life, in Jesus’ name.
SOLUTION: Be blinded from what men would say when it comes to being firm about the things of God. Never allow the fear of men make you to deny God, no matter what.
If you are blessed by this post, kindly share with your contacts, as well as others, that they may be blessed also. Thank you and may God bless you abundantly as you do so, in Jesus’ name.
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