Looking for Praise
Scripture – John 12:37-43: Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: “He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I find it interesting that John stops his narrative, and adds some editorial observations here. Some still “would not believe in him.” They made the decision to believe in something else. Others did decide to believe, yet they were afraid to make that known. Then John highlights a tension that’s part of our human condition: “They loved praise from people more than praise from God.” That is certainly a tension with which I am familiar. There are people in my life I want to please. Their “praise” is very important to me. Sometimes my desire for that leads me outside the bounds of discipleship. I find myself compromising on what I really believe God wants for me in a particular situation.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will monitor myself over these next few days and note when that temptation comes. Honestly, however, I can’t say I’ll resist it. At least, not yet.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please forgive me for my weakness. Give me eyes to see. Help me recognize the points at which I’m tempted to compromise in my life. Strengthen me to resist that. Help me desire your praise above all else. That is, help me live in a way that makes you proud.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting today, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) I find it interesting that John stops his narrative, and adds some editorial observations here. Some still “would not believe in him.” They made the decision to believe in something else. Others did decide to believe, yet they were afraid to make that known. Then John highlights a tension that’s part of our human condition: “They loved praise from people more than praise from God.” That is certainly a tension with which I am familiar. There are people in my life I want to please. Their “praise” is very important to me. Sometimes my desire for that leads me outside the bounds of discipleship. I find myself compromising on what I really believe God wants for me in a particular situation.
Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will monitor myself over these next few days and note when that temptation comes. Honestly, however, I can’t say I’ll resist it. At least, not yet.
Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please forgive me for my weakness. Give me eyes to see. Help me recognize the points at which I’m tempted to compromise in my life. Strengthen me to resist that. Help me desire your praise above all else. That is, help me live in a way that makes you proud.
An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting today, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Cafe.
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