The Praise of Men

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: For they loved the praise of men
​more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

These verses ring true just as much today, as in the days Jesus was here. The same patterns of living among societies remains the same. The majority of people like being around those who will affirm them, praise them, and help them make up their minds. Many today, seem to have great difficulty being able to make decisions using rational reasoning skills. It is a learned trait. The problem with asking other's for their opinion is, if there's ten people in the room, your very likely to get ten different answers.

People described in the verses above all have these traits:

1. The fear of man. They wonder "what will the world say if I do this". Fear paralyses the mind from being able to make a sound, rational decision-they're frozen because of worrying what other people will think or do.
2. Without grounded, solid conviction in any matter, people will not stand alone and be willing to keep making that stand without other's approval. This was a great test for all the believer's in the Bible. Their faith was repeatedly tested by those around them, who opposed and persecuted them. They were faced with making their stands alone, even to the death.
3. These rulers, even though some of them believed Jesus was the Son of God, couldn't bear the ridicule, and probable loss of their positions if they openly confessed Jesus before the Pharisee's over them. They didn't want to lose their status. This is prevalent everywhere today, and in churches.
4. These people need to have a crowd around them that approve them, and give them the adulations they crave. God's truth is not what's important to them; it's popularity, and praise. 
5. They need to be admired, and respected by people. Today this is one of the top issues of the day-the need to be seen and heard, and presented to the public as someone who's gained a status among the elites. Again, this has been from the beginning of ages-pride and pomp. But, it is a shallow empty show. People omit, and cover what they don't want you to see or pay attention to, and emphasis what they want to sell you. Seeing someone who is simply honest, real, and no pretense-is extremely rare today.
6. These type of people may acknowledge Jesus is the Messiah, but with nothing that leads to any self-denial, or solid commitment to Christ. If challenged or asked of their faith, they will not boldly speak of their faith in Jesus, nor present the gospel with boldness. The need for the praise and acceptance of man, will win out.
7. They are not willing to face rejection and disgrace-if they would openly confess Jesus as Messiah. 

These rulers and leaders were the intellectual giants of their day, serving in the capacities of servants of God. They had learned how to use the Law, to achieve many of their hypocritical rules and standards, and gain their status in Israel. They weren't about to lose it, by making a profession of faith in Jesus, it would cost them too much. Jesus described them well in these corresponding verses:

Mat 23:5  But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, 
Mat 23:6  And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 
Mat 23:7  And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. 
Mat 23:8  But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. 
Mat 23:9  And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. 
Mat 23:10  Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. 

Two of them, however, did afterward openly stand for Christ. These were Joseph and Nicodemus, Joh_19:38-39. That Joseph was one of them appears from Mar_15:43; Luk_23:50-51.

For those who do make the stand for Christ, and are willing to bear whatever comes, the Lord's given us precious promises, and that He would be with us, in whatever we face in this life. Paul, the disciples, and many servants down through the ages have come to know the certainty of both the trials, but also the steadfast love, and presence of the Savior, in every situation.

Heb 13:5  Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. 
Heb 13:6  So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Let's journey on, and keep our focus on the goal, heaven's gaits, and the Eternal abiding Presence of Christ-the King of Kings.
Lorna Couillard

SANCTIFY DAILY LIFE

​We may not like all the brethren, but there is something in each of them that Christ loves. Let us try to discover it, or love them for His sake. We can love people with our mind and think for them, or with our strength and serve them, even though the heart is somewhat reluctant.
Strangers and captives must never be forgotten, either in our prayers or our ministry. The love within the marriage tie must be unsullied, and we must watch against the insidious lust of gold. Why should we always be thinking of money, when God has promised, with two negatives, never to fail us, Heb_13:5? Thrice we are asked to remember those who bear office and rule in the church, Heb_13:7; Heb_13:17; Heb_13:24.
We are called to a holy crusade. It is not for us to linger in circumstances of ease and self-indulgence when our Master suffered without the gate! Let us go forth unto Him, bearing His reproach! Has not the Church tarried in the city long enough, enervated by its fashions and flatteries? F.B. Meyer