They loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. –
John 12:43
Hans Christian Andersen’s story The Emperor’s New Clothes tells of swindling weavers who convince almost everyone that they have woven the most beautiful trousers, coat, and mantle for the emperor when in fact they had woven nothing. Those around the emperor were too afraid to say there was nothing for fear they would be accused of being unfit for office or just unusually stupid. In the end, a child exclaimed the truth, and others finally agreed.
When Jesus walked on this earth, thousands were witnesses to His miracles as lepers were healed, the lame were made to walk, and Lazarus was even brought back from the dead. The apostle John exclaims, “Though he [Jesus] had done so many signs before them, they still did not believe in him” (John 14:37). In this case, there were so many reasons for the people, Jew and Gentile, to believe that Jesus was Messiah, and yet many did not.
Isaiah had foretold that hearts would be hardened and eyes blinded to the truth of Christ as Messiah. John mentions that “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”
(John 14:42). Their desire for human commendation kept them from professing Christ publicly, though others may have stood with them if they had.
In a world where professing your beliefs can bring judgment, ridicule, and even job loss, remember that it is better to please God than to please humanity. Stand strong for Him.
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