FRIDAY, MAY 14
It was by faith that Moses left the land of Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger.
He kept right on going because he kept his eyes on the One who is invisible.
Hebrews 11:27 (NLT2)
For they loved human praise more than the praise of God.
John 12:43 (NLT2)
LOVE GOD, LOVE PEOPLE: PRAISE RIVAL
There is a fictitious story about two men who had a jumping contest. One was an Olympic champion of the long jump who was in perfect shape. The other was an overweight man who huffed and puffed just walking. They decided to have a contest to determine who could jump across the Grand Canyon. The obese man could barely run. He waddled up to the edge of the cliff, leaned forward, and managed to jump two feet. He fell to his death at the bottom of the canyon. Next, the champion long jumper warmed up and ran as fast as he could at the gaping canyon. He jumped over thirty feet, but, unfortunately, he ended up at the same place as the first man: the bottom of the canyon. No matter how good we are, it is impossible for us to make it to heaven through our own works or our own effort. The world’s most religious man and the world’s worst sinner both end up in the pits of hell without accepting Christ’s help.
Hebrews 11 has been called the Great Hall of Faith. Each story of God’s people starts with “by faith.” In Hebrews 11:27, Moses chose by faith to Love God over the praise of Pharaoh. Moses was human like we are, and the approval of others was important to him. However, it wasn’t more important than his relationship with God. With God’s help, Moses was able to become the man and leader God designed him to be.
Reflection
In John 12:43 there were a lot of people who believed Jesus but were afraid to confess their faith in Him because they wanted praise from people more than praise from God. The approval of others can be a tough rival when it comes to living for Jesus. Are there any areas where your desire for the approval of others interferes with living out your faith?
Praise
Thank God for sending His Son to prove His love for you. Ask God to grow your love for Him more than your love for anyone or anything else.
