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Monday
Aug 15th, 2022
By: Matthew Sink
The Gospel of John-Day 51

John 12:42-43 Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

What an incredible statement we find in verse 43! These authorities believed that Jesus was who He claimed to be, but they refused to admit it out of fear of the Pharisees. Why? Because they craved the glory of their positions more than the glory that comes from the Lord. They valued the temporary above the eternal. They valued counterfeit above genuine. They ranked limited wealth above unending treasure. No matter how you look at this thing, it’s a crazy picture. You know what’s crazier? You and I could easily do the exact same thing.

Our problem is that we can’t see our own mortality. We don’t seem to understand that the things of this earth will one day fade away. All earthly treasures, given enough time, will become junk cluttering junk-yards and landfills. All earthly talents, given time, will fade to memories. The earthly praise and position that we covet, even if we achieve it, will eventually pass to someone else. Everything on this earth has a finite end.

But we were not created as 100% mortals, nor are we limited to the finite. Through Jesus, we have an opportunity to be with God for eternity. We were created to be near Him. Our entire lives point in that direction. The temporary pleasures of the earth are often just a way to satisfy this gnawing in our hearts for something bigger. We were created to be in the presence of our Heavenly Father, and through Jesus, that is now possible! Heaven is home because that’s where He is!

All that to say, the things of this earth can never compare to what God has in store for us, through Christ. So why would we ever trade the eternal treasures of Heaven for the temporary, junk-in-waiting “treasures” of this earth? Why would these authorities value the praise of people more than the praise of God? It’s impossible to justify. It’s short-sighted. And it’s heart-breaking.

Lord, help me to keep my eyes locked on YOU today. In every situation, re-orient my mind so that I keep first things first. Help me to rightly assess every situation today, so that I recognize the temporary nature of this earth, and value the eternal treasure YOU have in store for those who love YOU.