The Cost Of Your Faith

"So, they took away the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me.  I knew that you always hear me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe that you sent me.” When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” Therefore, many of the Jews who had come to visit Mary, and had seen what Jesus did, believed in him. But some of them went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of the Sanhedrin. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “Here is this man performing many signs. If we let him go on like this, everyone will believe in him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation." - John 11:41-48

The Sanhedrin was a Jewish judicial and religious council during the time of Jesus and in the early years of the Christian movement. Composed of seventy-one members, including the High Priest, it held significant power but could not sentence a person to death under Roman law. The religious leaders were concerned - not that they were going to miss the Messiah, but that there would be a negative consequence from the Roman government if they allowed it to continue.

"Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in him. But because of the Pharisees they would not openly acknowledge their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; for they loved human praise more than praise from God." John 12:42-43

Have you ever worried about what others might think or how they might treat you because of your faith in God and salvation through Jesus? I had a friend who once told me that he felt he had to drink alcohol because it was expected of him. We were both in the Army at the time. He was speaking out of his unfounded fears. I could argue that the Bible speaks against excess with respect to alcohol - I know others would disagree. Paul said although something might be OK to do, if it causes your brother to stumble, don't do it out of deference to their weakness. When I would attend something call a Dining In which was a formal military dinner for the officers of the unit there were a series of toasts made - to the wives, to the president, etc. Everyone had a wine glass for the toasts which were filled by the waiters. I would turn my wine glass upside down and toast using my water glass. I noticed that a few others would do the same once I did it. You never know when your obedience will give courage to others. BTW, nothing was ever said to me, and I had a moderately successful career. 

"If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels." - Mark 8:38

Why would Jesus have to speak to that? I think because it is a problem for all generations. Our spirit maybe willing but our flesh is weak. If we put our trust in the wrong place - in the world for example or the opinions of others - Christians or not - we have lost focus on what we are called to do.

"Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God." - Psalm 20:7

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory. 

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone