Nov 24

Jesus did not accept praise from men (John 5:41) that had as its source the insincere, faulty judgments of human flesh. He had accepted the praise of the multitude on Palm Sunday because that event was a fulfillment of the prophecies of Scripture and in accord with God's eternal plan for him.

But when the Pharisees tried to trap him in his talk, he refused to succumb to their trickery and false praise. He told them that he knew what they were like in their hearts and that they would never be able to believe in him as long as they continued to prefer to praise from each other rather than to seek the praise that comes from God (v. 44).

How little things have changed. Today it is no different. The world is full of religions that teach that the way to please God is by what we do, not what Jesus has done for us. Such teachings open the way for pride in human accomplishment, for which others can praise those who succeed in fulfilling whatever rules and laws such religions teach. It is once again the fatal sin of human pride, seeking the praise of others and of God for what we have done.

But the chilling words of Jesus' judgment on such beliefs and practices ring as true for the self-righteous Pharisees of today as they did then: How can you believe if you accept praise from one another, yet make no effort to obtain the praise that comes from God?

Scripture for today: John 5:41-44
Thought for today: Those who believe in Christ praise him.
Prayer for today: I praise you, Jesus.

NOV 24