PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: John 12:37-43
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts.” (John 12:40)
This is a quote from Isaiah 6:10, when Isaiah was sent on a mission.
Isaiah must tell Israel that God will ‘harden’ them in their stubbornness.
Since they refuse to repent and believe, God lets them have their own way.
Jesus has this same mission, since he’s dealing with the same stubbornness.
Parents may warn a scowling child, ‘your face might freeze that way’.
This verse warns those who resist God, ‘your heart might freeze that way’.
God is not being mean, God gives people what they adamantly want and choose.
But what of those who want to believe but fear what others say (vv.42-43)?
This is hard place to be, at odds with both Jesus and those you fear.
You are happy where you are, but afraid of where you want to be.
It’s not for me to judge, and I know the Lord’s grace is stronger than our weakness!
He graciously continues to reach out to us, to patiently draw us back
But eventually he takes the hint, and allows us to experience being stuck.
Am I refusing God somehow… ‘be careful, you might freeze that way’.
PRAYER
Lord, show me where I’m holding back and help me cross the line. I don’t want to get stuck where I don’t want to be.
Lord soften my heart and open my eyes so that I can understand and see and turn away from my old ways! Even when I couldn’t do any of these things you came and healed me! Lord help make me new in this way every day!
I know I’m sensitive to human criticism and do like it when what I’ve done or have accomplished gets acknowledged. Yet this is totally short sighted. “for they loved human praise more than praise from God.” Lord help me to see you and to affirmed by you – for that is what really matters. I need confidence in you and not in the praise of others. Help me stand affirmed and guide me that I may do things in life for the right reasons and not fear criticism of mankind. May I walk in full confidence by your leading – and not get stuck in my own fear!