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For They Loved Human Praise
Tim Savage42Many people did believe in him, however, including some of the Jewish leaders. But they wouldn’t admit it for fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue.43For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
John 11
Jesus’ teachings and miracles proved that He was the Son of God.Many people saw Him raise Lazarus from the dead most believed in Him but some didn’t.The Pharisees wanted Him dead.They even wanted to kill Lazarus, the man who had just been resurrected!They were a special kind of crazy.Jesus was a threat to the traditions and way of life to all who lived at that time, but even some of the leaders recognized Jesus’ sovereignty.
Verse 43 is a predictive warning for all the ages that personally troubles me the most, “For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.”They chose the temporal over the eternal.In hindsight we look back at that and scoff and say that we would never do such a thing; that they are so dumb, but in reality we do the same thing today.We measure our words around non-Christians, we remain silent on issues of morality and we allow the secular to eclipse the sacred.When history judges us will people wonder why we didn’t take a stand or speak up?Will they view us like the Pharisees that we so harshly judge?
I must love the praise of God more than anything else.I have to guard my heart and mind against the applause of men because I am susceptible to being pulled away from calling.I like to be liked.I like to be honored, rewarded and applauded.Often times, you aren’t recognized in ministry like you are in the world and the lure of the world is strong.It’s strong, but it’s temporary and ephemeral.The only thing that lasts for eternity is the reward from our Heavenly Father.I must stay focused on the eternal and listen for the applause of my Father.
Dear Lord,
I long to hear that You’re pleased with me.Forgive me for all of the times I’ve chosen the acceptance of man, rather than You.Forgive me for being short-sighted.I want to keep my sights set on eternity with You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
