John 12:42-43 "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."
What a sad statement is made about these chief rulers! They believed on Jesus,
but did not confess him. Why? They were afraid they would lose their position
in society. They were afraid the Pharisees would reject them. They were
afraid they would be "put out of the synagogue."
I read these words and my mind fast forwards to a time after the death, burial,
resurrection, and ascension of Jesus. The disciples had been fervent in
preaching salvation through Jesus the Christ. They were arrested and placed in
prison. But the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and instructed the
disciples to "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the
words of this life." (Acts 5:20) They did as they were instructed,
but the officers came and took them before the counsel. When they were asked
why they did not follow the command to not speak in the name of Jesus, Peter
answered, "We ought to obey God rather than men." (Acts 5:29)
We see two examples of people who believed on the Lord. One (the chief
priests) believed, but were afraid to confess. They were more concerned with
how others would think of them. Then we see the committed disciples of Christ
who were determined to believe and confess the wondrous grace and works of the
Lord. They were cast out of the temple, but God made an opening for them to go
back and continue their teachings and professions of the Lord Jesus.
Which of these two groups do you believe held the most joy and commitment in
their hearts? I'm convinced those who were faithful to profess the truth
concerning the Lord Jesus were blessed to have great joy in their hearts. In
fact, after they had been beaten, they "departed from the presence of the
council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.
(42) And daily in the temple, and in every house, they ceased not
to teach and preach Jesus Christ." (Acts 5:41-42)
I think of the blessed hymn written by Isaac Watts:
"Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follow’r of the Lamb?
And shall I fear to own His cause,
Or blush to speak His name?"
Which shall it be for me? Do I love the praise of men? or the praise of God?