Loving Human Glory

God's Creative Word
The Word Was in the Beginning
The Wedding at Cana

John 12:36-43

The Message (MSG)

 ^35-36Jesus said, "For a brief time still, the light is among you. Walk by the light you have so darkness doesn't destroy you. If you walk in darkness, you don't know where you're going. As you have the light, believe in the light. Then the light will be within you, and shining through your lives. You'll be children of light."

Their Eyes Are Blinded

 ^36-40Jesus said all this, and then went into hiding. All these God-signs he had given them and they still didn't get it, still wouldn't trust him. This proved that the prophet Isaiah was right:   God, who believed what we preached?
   Who recognized God's arm, outstretched and ready to act?
First they wouldn't believe, then they couldn't—again, just as Isaiah said:

   Their eyes are blinded,
      their hearts are hardened,
   So that they wouldn't see with their eyes
      and perceive with their hearts,
   And turn to me, God,
      so I could heal them.
⁴¹Isaiah said these things after he got a glimpse of God's cascading brightness that would pour through the Messiah.
 ^42-43On the other hand, a considerable number from the ranks of the leaders did believe. But because of the Pharisees, they didn't come out in the open with it. They were afraid of getting kicked out of the meeting place. When push came to shove they cared more for human approval than for God's glory.

For Reflection 

What does it take?  What does it take to grasp the promise of eternal life?  What does it take to see Jesus for who he is?  What does it take to choose to walk in the light of God's wisdom? what does it take to believe so strongly that you are willing to risk the approval of others?  What does it take to have confidence in God?  What does it take to reject fear and be obedient to God?  What does it take?

After the Christ event, truth became knowable.

Pray

for the courage to follow your faith.  Pray for the confidence in God's promise that will enable you to reject the worldly and accept the Heavenly.