Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
John 12:36-43 (NIV)
36b When he had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them. 37 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 For this reason, they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” 41 Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about him. 42 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; 43 for they loved human praise more than praise from God.
Do those who fail to confess faith in Jesus really see?
I guess it is not new that people who want to be accepted by the popular leaders, groups and their friends will ignore what they truly believe in their hearts out of fear of rejection. You have seen this all before, Lord. Nothing is a surprise to you. People choosing human praise over doing what You desire makes them blind to Your truth. Lord help me to look directly at You and see Your will. Show me Your Word and spell it out for me. I want to know what is right and wrong even if it is not popular. Keep my heart soft and open to Your Spirit. You are my Savior. You died for my sins. I cherish Your love and affection more than any other and will stand up for Your Word even if it is not popular. Amen