The apostle John wrote concerning Jesus, “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:”, and in chapter twelve and verse forty-three of his book John shared how the non-confessing chief rulers, “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” where we read:
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.
The verse reads, “For they loved the praise of men ...” John began with the words, “for they loved” which means “because, since and on account that the chief rulers were fond of, entertained and loved dearly” “the praise of men” or “the honor, glory, splendor and brightness of people whether male or female” more than the following. John shared how the “chief rulers” “loved dearly” the adulation and honor of people more than the following.
The verse continues, “... more than the praise of God.” John added the words, “more than the praise” which means “rather, to a greater degree and more willingly than the honor, glory, splendor and brightness” “of God” or “belonging to the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. John shared how the “chief rulers” were more fond of the “praise and adulation” from people than they were of “God's”.
When we consider John's words in this verse, we learn how these “chief rulers”, though believers in Jesus Christ, were afraid and more willing to receive the “praise and honor” of people than they were to focus upon the “honor” extended by God. They were afraid of being excommunicated from the “synagogue” which meant not only that they could not participate in “spiritual practices of worship” there, but also that they would be marked as people to whom no one should do business. In other words, their entire lives would be altered. God sent His Son Jesus into the world to be the “sacrifice” for the sins of mankind so they could live with Him forever. This cost Him, and anyone who follows Jesus must “count the cost” for believing and trusting in Him. These “chief rulers” thought the “cost” was too high, and they chose to keep their “faith in Jesus” a secret. Those who desire God's honor should yield their lives to Him and make His Son Jesus known regardless of the earthly costs associated with doing so.
Next time John shares how, “Jesus cried and said, He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until tomorrow…there is more…
Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".
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