Read John 12:20-43

John 12:42-43, "Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God."

It is certain that, in the landscape of Judaism, during the life of Jesus on this earth, there were Jews who believed, yet remained quiet about the fact.  I believe Nicodemus would be such an example, one who was an undercover believer.  He is the one who came to Jesus by night and heard the message from Jesus about the necessity of being born again (See John 7:50-51 and John 19:39).  Joseph of Arimathaea was a disciple of Jesus, who feared the Jews (John 19:38). 

 In these instances, two hindrances to our walk become obvious:

• Fear hinders our walk. What is it that brings fear into your life that hinders your walk with the Lord? I know there are things that we all fear which negatively impacts our walk.

• Loving man's praise and acceptance hinder our walk, this is specifically identified in John 12:43. We must fight the urge to be praised by people. Praise is gratifying and strokes our ego and our pride. However, pleasing God must take priority in our lives. Have you decided to choose pleasing God over man?

 Be honest enough to acknowledge and confess those things which hinder your walk with the Lord. It may be things different than those above, but whatever, bring them to God in prayer and ask the Lord to give you victory over those things which hinder your walk.  Asking a good friend to help keep accountability into your life, is another source to help in this battle to overcome things that hinder your walk.

 May we overcome those self-imposed obstacles that hinder our walk with Jesus.

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  Are you one who makes known to others that you are a believer?  How?

2.  How has fear hindered your walk in the past or in the present?

3.  Every person enjoys being praised.  Have you allowed the praise of man to hinder your walk with Jesus?  Why is this wrong?

4.  Are you more concerned with God’s approval than that of men?  Explain.