The Glory of Man

Yesterday I spoke of the presumption of humanity to think that we can create and sustain without reference to God. In this morning's reading from John 12, we see the result of this defiant independence. Once enjoyed, and it is indeed pleasurable at first blush...and exercised to worldly profit, godless independence needs to be maintained at all costs. Why? Because it is addictive.
In John 12, the Pharisees have fallen completely from grace. They are plotting to murder, not only Jesus, but one who has already been resurrected...in a vain attempt to maintain their power and influence over the people. (12:10-11) "So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus.". Resurrection is indeed a powerful witness! (17) "The crowd that had been with him when he called Lazarus forth from the tomb and raised him from the dead, continued to bear witness.

However, such is the satanic influence in the fallen, that even the knowing leadership would deny the truth in order to be maintained in their positions of power. (42) "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."

As I walked uphill alongside a Rwandan Archdeacon one day, he told me a tale about an evil which created an environment in which the genocide could happen. He said that many, even among the church leadership, were more afraid of each other...and the loss of their portions of influence, than they were of God. They had exchanged the glory of God for the influence of man. Over a million died as a result.

We think that this could never happen in our so-called civilized society. Bosnia and Rwanda were both "civilized" jewels. Look around you. This very evil and the sin which encourages it is among us...barely hidden beneath the surface of respectability. History repeats itself, and godlessness always bears the fruit of destruction. There, but for the grace of God, go we!
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