Glory from Man

Guest Blog by Gary Riedel

S - SCRIPTURE:

John 12:43, For they loved the glory that comes from man more, more than the glory that comes from God.

O - OBSERVATION: I chose this very unlikely verse because I happen to feel many of this worlds problems are caused by that fact. People love money, power, sensationalism, anything that appeals to the senses more than we love God. In this particular case people were afraid to show any sign of belief in Jesus because they did not want to be thrown out of the synagogue 

by the Pharisees. A going through the motions religious ritualism was more important than following the very Son of God, and believing in Him. Being a part of a synagogue was an important status symbol.

A - APPLICATION: What about today, are we still caught in that same trap with eyes blinded by culture and what is popular with our peers? I dare say we are and it starts at an early age, for sure by the fifth or sixth grade if not sooner. God gives us the 10 Commandments to govern our behavior. Jesus summarized these in Matthew 22:37-39 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is a great and first commandment. And a second is like unto it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. Can you imagine what our world would be like if everyone followed these commands of Jesus. No wars, no lawsuits, no crime, only love, but mankind likes to have his own way, and Jesus came to rescue us from our blindness.

P - PRAYER: Heavenly Father, we ask for Your forgiveness for our waywardness and pray Lord that your people can make a difference for Your Kingdom by seeking to follow the Commandments of Jesus. In Jesus Name, Amen