Text: John 12:42-43
Memory text:
“for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.”
John 12:43 NKJV
Taking or sharing God’s glory is a serious sin before God. It is the first sin and the sin that birthed other sins. Like rebellion, it is sin against God’s holiness. He reserves His glory for Himself alone. Thus, to attempt to share His glory is to attempt to compete with Him as God and to take His glory is to attempt to overthrow Him and to take His place!
In ancient days, the widow of the king automatically belonged to the new king, and any attempt to claim the widow is regarded as a rebellion. This was the offense that Adonijah committed against Solomon, which led him to his death. He had asked Bathsheba to ask King Solomon to release Abishag, their father’s widow to him. So, Solomon replied to his mother, saying, “Why do you ask me to give Abishag to him?” the king asked. “You might as well ask me to give him the throne, too. After all, he is my older brother, and Abiathar, the priest, and Joab are on his side!” (1 King 2:22). Likewise, glory belongs to Him, who sits upon the throne, and any attempt to take God’s glory is taken as a rebellion against God. Like in the case of Adonijah, toiling with God’s glory may attract instant judgment.
Another way to steal God’s glory is when we seek praise from others.
“for they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.” (John 12:43 ESV).
This was common among some of the Jews in Jesus’ days. They could not identify with Christ because they wanted the approval and glory of men. They feared the persecution that might follow from the Pharisees if they followed Christ as they could be thrown out of the synagogue. They therefore worked to please them in order to attract their praise. The praise that belonged to God and which should have been given to Him is given to them instead. They thus robbed God of the glory that is His.
Friends, those who seek the praise of men are depriving God of what should have been His. Taking God’s glory is a sin that attracts divine judgment. It is better to suffer for a while than to suffer eternally for taking God’s glory. Beware!
Prayer points
1. Father, let me never seek the praise of men but help me to do what is pleasing to You always, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, I renounce human glory, and I refuse to steal Your glory in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. I will do what is right and pleasing to God, even if it comes with a cost.
2. I won’t seek the glory of man lest I rob God of His due and thus endanger my life.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng