John 12:37-43 the Unbelief of the People

This is one of the saddest portions of scripture that I can recall.

Unbelief.

Here we see Jesus hiding himself from the people because they did not believe.

So many miracles so many teachings so much love, and yet they still did not believe.

I would like to say with all assurance that I would have believed. I cannot.

I look at examples in my own life where the Lord has come through time and time again and yet I still don't trust Him in that area of my life.

I see other areas in my life where I am able to trust Him completely (well in my perspective).

I don't honestly know where I would fall if I lived in Jesus' time.

The saddest part is that there were some that believed but choose not to follow Jesus because they "loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that come from God"

I could not, would not fall into that category. Surely not me!

The scripture says they would not confess their belief so they would not be put out of the synagogue.

Are there times when I don't confess my belief? Are they times of fear that I might lose a friend? Are they times when I might loose respect? Are they times when I might offend someone?

Lord, give me boldness to share what I believe. Give me determination to go beyond the cowardice that tries to hold my tongue. Lord give me the strength to follow you wherever it leads.

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