[Anglican Devotional 26 March 2024] Topic: Costly Mistake

Posted by: Nnenna || Categories: Devotional

TOPIC: Costly Mistake

READ: John 12:37-43 (NKJV)

37. But although He had done so many signs before them, they did not believe in Him,
38. that the word of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke: “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?”
39. Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again:
40. “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, Lest they should see with [their] eyes, Lest they should understand with [their] hearts and turn, So that I should heal them.”
41. These things Isaiah said when he saw His glory and spoke of Him.
42. Nevertheless even among the rulers many believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess [Him,] lest they should be put out of the synagogue;
43. for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

THE MESSAGE:

Despite several miracles Jesus did in their midst, the Jews failed to acknowledge Him as their Saviour but were still expecting another Messiah. John had spoken about this in John 1:11-12, “He came to his own but his own did not receive him.” Unbelief is a deadly disease and God detests it; it’s poisonous, kills and closes doors of opportunities. Unbelief shut the Israelites out of the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:15-19). It brought the wrath of God against the forefathers in the wilderness and many of them perished (Psalm 78:22-23). Unbelief is a costly mistake that hinders the move of God in human life. It closes the door of grace against one.”

Verses 42-45 explain that many of the chief rulers believed in Jesus but could not confess to him because they wanted to retain their positions in the synagogue. They loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. Are you in this position? Are you also afraid of family, friends, job loss, etc? Do not allow material things or humans to hinder you from saying yes to Jesus, because your ultimate reward will be greater than your temporal loss.

PRAYER: Oh Lord, give me the courage to believe and confess You before men, Amen.

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