And Crowd Goes Wild!!

John 12:43
For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

The Pharisees in the days of Jesus were afraid to believe in Him because they would lose their seat in the synagogue. If the synagogue was the big football bowl game, these would have box seats with the finest spread of food. They had the upper seats, not those with the lower common people. They love to lead in prayer where all could hear them. They loved it in the market places to be called Rabbi and leader. You see they loved it when the crowd recognized them and brought attention to it.

Jesus told us that they receive their reward of men down here on earth. The crowd goes wild for them in their big seats with their big prayers. We are to set our affections on things above. We are to seek treasure and rewards from our Father above. Our praise should never point to us, but rather upon Jesus. For He is the Lamb of God that was slain for my sins and your sins.

Let me ask you something this morning. Why do you serve Jesus? What is the driving force for your service in the ministry? Do you want your name on signs and called out in great meetings? Do you serve best when the crowd goes wild? If so, you better soak it up now. Enjoy it because it will only be your reward on earth. If this is our path it is headed for ruin and discouragement. Our call to serve should be through nothing else but love. Love that we have for Jesus who first loved us. Some people are only happy if their name is called out. What will you do when the crowd is silent? When the praises stop? Are you going to still serve Him?

I don't know about you but I love the praise of God more than the praise of men. I would rather hear Him say He's pleased more than family, friends or foes.