Nov 23

There is nothing inherently wrong in receiving praise from men. Scripture itself says that Jesus received such praise because of the gracious words that fell from his lips and because of his good deeds of healing and mercy which went forth from him. Luke 4:15 says that everyone praised him.

What is wrong is to seek the praise of men rather than the praise of God. Jesus did not seek the praise of men; he simply was awarded it because of who he was and what he did. When he entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, his enemies were at a loss as to what to do because the whole world seemed to be praising Jesus, shouting their Hosannas to him (John 12:19).

But when that praise was out of accord with God's will for him and his purpose for him, Jesus rejected the praise of men. When the people were ready to take him by force, if necessary, and crown him king, Jesus hid himself from them, rejecting this honor and praise (John 6:14, 15).

It is more than Jesus' complete submission to God and his will for his life that caused Jesus to do this. For he knew that if the people made him king, then they were the ones who decided who the king of the Jews should be. But Jesus was not made king by any action or will of the people; he was born king, by the will of God.

When the wise men came looking for Jesus, at his birth, they posed the question, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?" (Matt. 2:2 KJV).

Where is he? He has hidden himself from those who pretend to want to praise him as king Herod did (v. 8), but who, in reality see Jesus as a threat to their own kingship and kingdom.

Whether an actual, literal kingdom such as Herod had, or the kingdom of one's soul, Jesus will not reveal himself to those who are unwilling to step aside and let him assume the throne of their heart. He will hide himself from them and their praise.

Scripture for today: John 6:14, 15; Matt. 2:1-8
Thought for today: Sincere praise reveals Jesus to my heart.
Prayer for today: I praise you, Jesus, and ask you to reveal yourself to me. I step down from the throne of my heart so that you can ascend it and I will praise you.

NOV 23