John 12

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john%2012&version=TNIV Jesus puts a clear choice before us in today’s reading. Choose him or choose the world. There is not a middle ground. We can’t choose Jesus privately and then behave in contrary ways in public. We can’t say we believe in him and then hedge our bets by blending in with the crowd because it is easier. Verses 42-43 seem to sum up what is going on in Chapter 12 very well: “ 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 glory more than the glory of God.” One person standing up for what they believe can make a huge difference in this world. Do you know that in a mob mentality if one person stands up as the voice of reason, the crowd usuallly disperses? When someone is being bullied, most people ignore it or particpate in it because they are afraid to do anything else. Yet if one person distracts the bully or stands up for the person being bullied, it usually starts a chain reaction and the crowd begins to turn on the bully. It just takes one person to stand up for what they believe to make a difference in this world. Who and what are you going to stand up for? Father God, forgive us for being cowards. Forgive us for wanting to take the easy path and be part of the crowd. Help us to be brave. Give us courage to speak up when words need to be spoken and give us the wisdom to choose the right words. Amen. CS