Countdown to Christmas – Day 12

Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet:

“Lord, who has believed our message
and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”
For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere:

“He has blinded their eyes
and hardened their hearts,
so they can neither see with their eyes,
nor understand with their hearts,
nor turn—and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him.

Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God.

John 12:37-43

Doubters and naysayers will always be among us. Their words and actions an attempt to steal, kill, and destroy the faith and belief the Lord has built within us for His plans and purpose. But we need only to shift our focus to what He has already done in our lives in order to reaffirm our soul that He will fulfill His promises.

The Pharisees simply could not acknowledge the prophesied Messiah and the promise He brought to the people for God hardened their hearts to Him. The scriptures reveal that the leaders of the church would not believe in Him, not that they could not believe in Him. Christ performed miracles before their very eyes yet they made the choice in their wayward hearts to dismiss His presence.

And then there were those scattered among the crowd who’s hearts leapt at the signs and wonders before their eyes, yet their hearts were darkened with fear caring far too much what others would think if they professed their belief. Hearts that craved human praise more than the life-changing presence of the desired Saviour.

As we look upon a world divided, a broken and disheveled culture, where would we stand among the crowd? Can we recognize the miracles and wonders of Christ at work within our life and profess His kingdom? Or do we shrink behind a mask of fear knowing there are those who lurk waiting to dismiss or discredit our claims?

The fear of the Lord is not us being afraid of God but rather a healthy position of awe and respect for our Creator and Heavenly Father. It is a devotion to God and not a sense of being frightened. We must use wisdom acknowledging that it is our fear of the thoughts and opinions of others that can keep us from fulfilling God’s best plans for our life.

Father, may I be reminded of all the miracles and wonders you have already done in my life. Help me to be brave standing apart from the crowd openly acknowledging my faith in you. In Jesus name, amen.