GOD’S GLORY OVER MAN’S
Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.
John 12:42-43 (ESV)
When writing this scripture, what do you think John was feeling toward the authorities who believed in Jesus, but rejected God’s glory for the glory of man? Disappointment? Anger? Disgust? Resentment? Sadness? What about you? When reading this scripture, do you feel one of those emotions, or something completely different?
God revealed His glory through Jesus, a humble and amazing man, but these authorities didn’t care enough about the truth to fight for it. It was easier, more agreeable, more convenient, more popular, more lucrative, more fill-in-the-blank to side with the Pharisees. They were more focused on what they’d lose from the glory of men rather than on what they’d gain from the glory of God.
You cannot be neutral when it comes to Jesus. Romans 10:9 ESV says, If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. The authorities believed, but they weren’t willing to act on it. Sadly, this is the legacy these men left for those of us reading this scripture. By highlighting their decision, John draws a line in the sand. He was willing to stake His life on the truth of who Jesus is.
This is a sobering and humbling confrontation for us as readers. We have a choice—seek the glory of the living God, or the glory of the people around us. Thankfully, we know and serve a God who loves us more deeply than we’ll ever know. God fought and died for us, and He gives us the desire and power to do what pleases Him (Philippians 2:13 NLT). Choose Jesus, and walk in the life that God has for you. It’s infinitely better than anything man can provide.
APPLICATION: Keep an eye out for moments of decision today. Ask God to help you choose to please Him today. This may mean dying to what someone else expects of you, or what you may expect of yourself, but ask God to help you choose Him today.
PRAYER: Thank You, God, for sharing Your glory with me through Jesus. Help me choose Your glory today, above anyone or anything else. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?