Glory?

Jn. 12:43

for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. 

What a sad indictment! As John spoke of Jesus' earthly ministry, he knew that many did not believe even though they saw the miracles in person. What possible reasons could their be? First and foremost, John spoke of the prophecies in Isaiah concerning the Jews which stated that God had blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts. In God's sovereign will and plan, they were not to be saved. That is not for us to understand, but to accept. God said that our thoughts are not His, and our ways are not His. He shows mercy and compassion on whom He chooses not to and not on whom we choose. So definitely the plan and purpose was afoot in these situations. 

Secondly, many of the authorities believed in Him but were afraid of censure of the Pharisees. 

Sad that a group so powerful would keep people from Jesus! Whatever the reason for unbelief, unbelief is never justified. Unbelief is unbelief! Jesus said that if anyone would follow Him, he would have to deny himself and take up his cross and follow him... for whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in exchange for His soul? 

Finally, they did not believe because they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God. Sadly, this is the the indictment of most men even of those who believe! This attitude creeps in without even being noticed. I need to check my heart regularly to make sure that I do not fall into that behavior. How unfaithful is the heart of man!

Father,

Keep my eyes open and my heart tender to care only about you. Help me to bring glory only to You. I love You. 

In Jesus name,

Amen