The Praise of God

"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."

John 12:42-43

It is remarkable those who heard and saw all the things Jesus did would be hesitant to proclaim their belief in Jesus because of what they stood to lose over what they could gain.  The favour of man is fickle, temperamental and temporary, but the favour of God is glorious and eternal.  What I find more amazing than there were people who loved the praise of men is that the praise of God is on offer for all who declare Jesus their King.

Think of it:  the eternal God in heavenly glory, the Creator of all things Who alone is worthy of praise, delights to praise those who fear Him!  The grace of God simply overwhelms the soul who believes in Him with love, mercy and truth.  As children we beamed with pride when commended for doing well, and as born again children of God through faith in Jesus this pride melts away in the humble knowledge of who God is and our unworthiness of consideration by Him.  Jesus taught in Luke 17:9-10, "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. ¹⁰ So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.'"  Observe the perspective of the child of God and faithful servant who has been obedient to his duty before the almighty.  Instead of clamouring for recognition, the follower of Jesus is joyfully resigned to serve His Saviour.

In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus spoke of a master who rewarded his dutiful servant in Matthew 25:21:  "His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'"  Jesus struck a contast between the servants who were faithful and the unprofitable, and explained how one day He would divide them as a shepherd does the sheep from the goats.  Matthew 25:34-40 says, "Then the King will say to those on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: ³⁵ for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; ³⁶ I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.' ³⁷ Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? ³⁸ When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? ³⁹ Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?' ⁴⁰ And the King will answer and say to them, 'Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'"

Those blessed of the Father and redeemed with the blood of Jesus did not trot out their good deeds or sacrifices before their King.  Since all authority, knowledge and dominion is Christ's in all heaven and earth, He is acutely aware of every time His people do what pleases Him in obedience.  He is not looking to destroy them for their faults already cleansed by His shed blood, but to reward them with praise and a glorious kingdom in His presence which shall never end.  Kindness shown others He owns as done to Himself to provide blessing, even as He has taken all our sins upon Himself to provide atonement and turn aside God's wrath.  To hear "Well done!" from the mouth of our Saviour will be among the sweetest words we could ever hear.  Blessed is the one knows Jesus and follows Him, and our righteousness is in Him.  Grace upon grace, now and forever!