…many ..would not
confess Him…for they loved human praise more than praise from God." John 12: 42-43
Elias rearranged
scrolls and tried to keep his expression neutral while his fellow priests
ranted. That new Rabbi was getting under everyone’s skin and the leaders were
becoming agitated. There was even talk about stoning Him. Curiosity had first
driven Elias to the countryside to listen to this Man some called the Messiah,
but it was conviction that propelled him back again and again. He had seen a
sack lunch become a feast. He had watched Jairus’ dead daughter brought to life
and heard the mute man speak. Only God could do such things, but saying that would
cause problems. So He kept silent. No one could know he believed this Man’s
words and that his heart burned for more. The price for confessing his faith
was too high.
How often have you
kept your influence under wraps because the price was too high? People might
look at you funny. Friends might walk away. You’d get a reputation for being a
religious wacko, so you stay silent. Maybe you’ve even joined in when people
mocked faith, trashed the Bible, or relegated Jesus to the role of a social
reformer. You believe in Him, but the price for letting people know is just too
high. Their opinions matter more to you than His approval. So you tell yourself
that faith is a private matter. No one’s business.
Jesus doesn’t agree. He said
if we confess Him before men, He will confess us before His Father (Luke 12:8). Confessing does not mean words alone,
but a lifestyle of discipleship. Influence under wraps is worthless.
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