this is perfect praise

They say...
seeing is believing.

And there are many
who want it to be spelled out,
proven and factual,
placed right in front of them
before they will put
their stamp of approval on it.

But the crazy thing is...
even if those people took
a little ride back in time
to the days of Jesus...
if they could SEE in order
that they might believe,
most likely they would be
in the same boat they are today.

Unbelieving.

But although He had done
so many signs before them,
they did not believe in Him,
that the word of Isaiah the prophet
might be fulfilled, which he spoke:
“Lord, who has believed our report?
And to whom
has the arm of the Lord been revealed?
John 12:37-38 NKJV

It would seem that even seeing
does not cause believing.

And worse yet,
sometimes seeing
mixed with a bit too much pride
actually caused offense.

But when the chief priests and scribes
saw the wonderful things that He did,
and the children crying out
in the temple and saying,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
they were indignant and said to Him,
“Do You hear what these are saying?”

And Jesus said to them,
“Yes. Have you never read,
‘Out of the mouth of babes
and nursing infants
You have perfected praise’?”
Matthew 21:15-16

How very odd to me
that people of any position
could see something wonderful,
something amazing and truly
out of this world...
and become indignant.
This means to be offended,
or insulted, typically due to
inner pride.

Which is why Jesus replied so.
Those who appreciated Him,
were the ones who weren't
trying to be better than, or
comparing themselves to Him,
but rather enjoying what He brought.

But there were some who did believe...
Nevertheless even among the rulers
many believed in Him,
but because of the Pharisees
they did not confess Him,
lest they should be put out
of the synagogue;
for they loved the praise of men
more than the praise of God.
John 12:42-43

This to be sure
the downfall of our hearts.
Even when we believe...
But loving the praise of men
more than the praise of God.

And it's so easy to fall into.
I do it all too often.
And I think it may be because
we don't hear God audibly...
telling us, 'Good Job!'
But we long for that
pat on the back, or
that quick reward.

So we will get it
any way possible.
Even if it's a short return
here on earth.

But if we can just look past the now
and see further to remember
the example set before us...
Let each of you look
not only to his own interests,
but also to the interests of others.
Have this mind among yourselves,
which is yours in Christ Jesus,
who, though He was
in the form of God, did not count
equality with God
a thing to be grasped,
but emptied Himself,
by taking the form of a servant,
being born in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:4-7

Better to stay the long course,
putting aside our pride,
humbling ourself as a servant
just as He did.

And let us seek to please Him
in all we do...
first and foremost
offering our praise heavenward
as children.

Believing without seeing.
Holdiing out for eternal riches
rather than earthly praise.

Word of God
train me today...
To let go of my pride and seek
to be more childlike in perfect praise.

To stand back and take in the wonder of You;
ever believing, always pressing in.