John 12

There were so many poignant things said in this chapter that I found it hard to just kinda narrow it down to one. Like in verse 42 it says that “The Jewish leaders believed in Christ, but they would not admit it to anyone because if their fear that the Pharisees would expel them from the synagogue. For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.” Much like people today, they were afraid of standing up for Jesus for fear of ridicule, scorn, or even rejection by their peers. With all I hear and see in the news, with the fact that schools are having “Holiday” pageants, or “Winter Solstice” festivals, anyone who comes out and stands up for Christ is labeled a zealot, or fanatic, and basically torn apart. Which makes it even harder to stand up for Him. But what if I had to choose a really key verse I would have to choose 46.

Key Verse: I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the darkness. If anyone hears me and doesn’t obey me, I am not his judge – for I have come to save the world and not judge it. But all who reject me and my message will be judged at the day of judgment by the truth I have spoken.”

Jesus did not come here the first time to judge people, but to show them the way to salvation and eternal life. The next time he comes, on the day of judgment, He will judge us for how we lived. He does say that if we do not accept Him and obey Him, then that condemns us. The decision on what you will do for say, a career, has ramifications only in this life, the decision to accept or reject Christ is much more serious. The consequences of that decision last for an eternity.

My prayer: Lord God, Thank you so much for the gift of Your Son Jesus, who came here to show us the way to salvation. I pray that as hard as it may be sometimes to stand up for you, you can give me the strength to do what is right so that others may come to know you, and accept you. For the decision to do this, is the most important decision they will ever make. Amen