The People’s Unbelief

Read John 12:36-43

John 12:42-43 They loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.
 
OH, I don’t like this scripture. It hits way too close to home. How often to I consider inviting someone to church or asking a person about his thoughts on Jesus, and I inwardly make some lame excuse. “Surely he won’t be interested. He might laugh at me. He might make fun of my job or my church. It’s better if I keep quiet. I’ll just make small talk.”
    That’s deceit, isn’t it? I say I love Jesus, but do I act like it and talk like it? Too many times I prefer the approval of men.
    Once in a while, though, I get a glimpse of what life would be like if I were more obedient to Jesus. When I pray with a stranger who has just shared some deep anxiety with me, I feel God’s presence and his hand on me.
    When I invite someone to church, and they talk about issues in their life, I can encourage them, and share my love and Jesus’ love for them. Sometimes I confront lies about the Bible face to face with someone who publicly ridicules God’s Word.  I feel empowered to stand firm for the truth again.
    In other words, when I show my love for Jesus by helping others know him, I sense he is close by saying, “Thank you. I love you, too.”
 
Resurrection Truth: live and speak in Jesus’ approval.