ROMANS 2:29
29. But he is a Jew who is one inwardly, and true circumcision is of the heart, a spiritual and not a literal matter. His praise is not from men but from God. Amp.
John 5:44 How is it possible for you to believe – how can you learn to believe – who are content to seek for and receive praise and honor and glory from one another, and do not seek the praise and honor and glory which comes from Him Who alone is God? Amp.
Paul is telling us in Romans 2:29 about the praises of men. But Jesus explains it a lot clearer in John 5:44. What does it mean to us today? Are we supposed to love our brothers and sisters In Christ? Yes, we definitely are to love one another. That is how we are known by our love. So, what were the Pharisees doing wrong?
The key word in John 5:44 is content. What does your heart long for? What satisfies your soul? What makes you happy in this world? Can you exist with only the praises of men and not the praise and honor that comes from God? The Pharisees were content with the praise and honor they received from each other and did not even seek to please the Lord. That is why they rejected Jesus.
Psalm 65:4 Blessed – happy, fortunate (to be envied)- is the man whom You choose and cause to come near, that he may dwell in Your courts! We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, Your holy temple. Amp.
The Lord knows our hearts and will not waste time with those who are not interested in spending time with Him. He hears our prayer and the cry of our heart. He knows our desires more than we do. He knows what will make us and what will break us. He will not force Himself and His will on anyone. He chooses the one who will choose Him back. He gives us what we want.
He did not force His way on the Pharisees but gave them what they wanted. The Pharisees wanted the wrong thing even when looking Jesus in the face. He gave them their heart’s desire.
When He chooses us to come near, we are allowed to dwell with Him. Then we taste of His goodness, and it satisfies us. We do not seek the pleasures of this world. They have lost their flavor. We know what is the best and that is the only thing that satisfies. So, it is okay when we get rejected by men. We know why? If Jesus was rejected, we will be rejected. We do it for Him.
He is looking in our hearts for those who want to please Him more than anything and will suffer the cost that goes with it. He wants those who crave Him and His goodness every moment and it shows in their life and action.