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Daily Devotion: John 12:42-43

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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?  

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