Disguised by praise Week 21, 2015

Now there was a man from the Pharisees, a leader of the Jews, whose name was Nicodemus. He came to Jesus at night… Jn 3:1-2(ISV).  It was a high level visitation. I suppose today it would be as if a member of the Federal Executive Council paid a visit. No, more than that for Nicodemus was more than a political figure; he was a religious one too. The visit would perhaps be likened to having one of the top pastors/ priests come to you. He praised Him saying "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher sent by God. No one could perform the miracles you are doing unless God were with him." Jn 3:2(GNB).  I would have said “What recognition! So now they know my importance. They realise my worth and place in the scheme of things” and say to the visitor “Thank you very much sir. You see this ministry has been set up by God and appreciates such a visit as yours.” And then probably publicise the visit on our website, announce it in the news and to members so they can be encouraged. In short get the maximum benefit. But no.  Jesus recognised a need was disguised in the praise. Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: no one can see the Kingdom of God without being born again." Jn 3:3(GNB).  Would some have hinted at Nicodemus making a donation or supporting their ministry financially? “What is wrong with that?” you say. That’s just the point. Give me the persons, and take the goods to thyself Gen 14:21(KJV) is what Satan says yet to you today. It’s so sad when we miss the real need and poach on crumbs. Sometimes we have even given back the glory to God for such praise as we prayed in the night only to hear God say “I did not send him/her to you for that but for you to fish a soul into my kingdom!” Have you missed it before too? Did you accept praise and fail to see and respond to the disguised need? Repent.

Praise coming from another can deflect the deepest need of the individual sometimes. Do you realise when someone says “Ah we thank God for you O!” the appropriate response is not necessarily “Thank you and God bless you”? Consider also the spontaneous outburst of praise by another. A woman. As Jesus was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and told him, "How blessed is the womb that gave birth to you and the breasts that nursed you!" Lk 11:27(ISV)  I don’t know about you but praise from the opposite sex can be very intoxicating. Remember its effect in Saul’s times? Well at this time with Jesus He recognised the need disguised by the praise. But he said, "Rather, how blessed are those who hear God's word and obey it!" Lk 11:28(ISV)  She needed to be told to heed the words she heard. Yet at the appropriate time and setting Jesus receives praise. Lk 19:35-40.    

O man of God, o woman of virtue; be sensitive. The praise that comes to you from men saying “That was a powerful message! Thank God for you.” may need a response of “Whatever you think you see in me God can do far more in you when you fully release yourself to Him.” and “Have you repented?”