"விதைகளின் உள்ளே" 🌳
“Within the Seeds” 🌳
📖Bible Meditation No. 1810 🔆 AATHAVAN – Wednesday, 21.01.2026
“Nevertheless, many even of
the rulers believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they were not
confessing Him, for fear that they would be put out of the synagogue; for they
loved the approval of men rather than the approval of God.” (John 12:42–43)
In today’s meditation verse,
we read about certain rulers who believed in Jesus Christ in their hearts, yet
were unwilling to confess Him openly because they feared losing their positions
and status. The reason is clearly stated: they loved the approval of men
rather than the approval of God.
Even today, there are many
Christians and those who claim to believe in Christ who hesitate to openly
confess their Christian faith. Some do so for the sake of government benefits,
official positions, or social advantages. There are also those who have accepted
Christ after coming from other religions; when applying for government
concessions, they fear losing the benefits they once enjoyed and therefore do
not disclose that they are Christians. Instead, they attach their old
certificates and apply for benefits without revealing their faith in Christ.
Recently, newspapers
reported an incident in Tamil Nadu where a woman who had converted to
Christianity concealed her faith, was elected as a Panchayat President, and
later—when her conversion was proven with evidence by opposition members—was
removed from office by a court order. Yes, such people are just like the rulers
mentioned in today’s meditation verse during the time of Jesus—those who
preferred human glory over the glory that comes from God.
What benefit is there if we
say that we believe in Christ but are ashamed to declare it openly? James
raises this searching question:
“What use is it, my
brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save
him?” (James 2:14)
Yes, beloved, even if we are
unable to do great acts of faith, are we not at least able to openly declare
that we believe in Christ? Many have been killed for becoming Christians; many
have endured severe suffering. The Scriptures testify:
“And others experienced
mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned,
they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the
sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted,
ill-treated.” (Hebrews 11:36–37)
But we face no such threats
today. In such a situation, is it not shameful to deny Christ merely for the
sake of worldly benefits?
“But are you willing to
recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? Was not
Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the
altar?” (James 2:20–21)
If we deny Christ because we
desire the glory that comes from men, we will indeed be pitiable. If we possess
a firm faith that says, “My God will supply all my needs; I do not live in
this world depending on human favour,” then we will never deny God for the
sake of human approval.
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