To God Be the Glory

Scripture Reading

John 12:17-19, 42-43

17 Now the crowd that was with him when he called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the word. 18 Many people, because they had heard that he had performed this sign, went out to meet him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after him!”

42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

Devotional

Jesus had brought Lazarus back from the dead and word was spreading fast. People wanted to know more about Jesus and follow him, but the Pharisees were extremely jealous and that jealousy grew to hatred to the point that other leaders in the synagogue were afraid to acknowledge they believed in Jesus. Let’s break this down a bit. The leaders of the synagogue, the ones who taught people about God and his Word, were upset that people actually wanted to follow God instead of listening to them. In a previous devotional “Made Perfect Through Jesus” we read in Hebrews 10:16, which is as follows:

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.”

The Pharisees definitely had laws in their minds, but not their hearts. In fact, they were so obsessed about rules that it seems they forgot about God himself and their true mission, which was to lead people to God. But here we clearly see that their positions of power ended up corrupting their hearts and they were teaching God’s Word for human praise.

This passage makes me think back and wonder the different ways in which you and I may do the same things – basking in the spot light when it should be about God. We may not be corrupt pastors or elders in a church misguiding a whole flock, but have you ever shared your talent with the church like singing, dancing, or playing music and started doing it more for the praise from people rather than as a form of worship for God? Or maybe you donated money to a charity or some other worthy cause, but instead of seeking God’s approval, maybe you were a little more motivated by the recognition you might receive from others. Have you ever fasted for spiritual reasons waiting for a response from God, but then made it a point to tell a lot of people about it to give yourself a little attention? Maybe you’ve even made a video or were intentionally photographed helping someone and posted it on social media for “likes” and views. There are a million other examples of how we might start off with good intentions, but manage to push God out of the way for our own glory. In everything we do, especially if we intend to do it for God, let’s be prayerful throughout the process so we do not rob God of the glory. I don’t know about you, but I want to be one of the people running to listen to, follow, and serve Jesus. Nothing is greater than praise and approval from God himself. If you feel this message is speaking to you, let’s pray.

Prayer

Father God, thank you for the reminder today that you consider me good enough to be used as a part of your perfect plans despite my imperfections. Please help guard my heart and mind to stay focused on your will in all that I do. I want my actions to be pleasing in your sight and bring glory and honor to you always. In Jesus name, Amen.