Ashamed of the Word

In John 12 there is a brief little comment about people who believed but wouldn't admit it.

Nevertheless, many even of the authorities believed in Him, but for fear of the Pharisees they did not confess it, so that they would not be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the glory that comes from Man more than the glory that comes from God. (John 12:42-43)

That could have been written today as well. Lots of people -- genuine believers even -- are coming out in favor of that which God opposes because they prefer rather to be liked by their fellow human beings than God. Many Christians I know read their Bibles and say, "Um, no, not that. Not now." They're all gung ho about "saved by grace" and God's love and mercy and all, but if they are being honest, there are just some things in the Bible of which they are truly ashamed.

Take, for instance, that stuff in the Old Testament about killing Amalekites (1 Sam 15). "I mean, really ... 'Kill both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey'?" Embarrassing. That will have to go. It says God struck Uzzah dead for steadying the Ark (2 Sam 6:1-8). Really? No, that can't be right. And, of course, all that New Testament stuff is wrong, wrong, wrong. Calling homosexual behavior sin (Rom 1:26-2; 1 Cor 6:9-10) or not allowing women to be pastors (1 Tim 2:12-15)? First century nonsense. Homophobia before they knew what it was. Sexism through the ages. Not good. Not good at all.

It is undeniable that Scripture stands, at times, starkly against our modern society. Jesus claimed to be the only way; we deny exclusivity. God regulated slavery while we abhor it. God instituted the death penalty while the Roman Catholic Church leads the way in negating it. We see sexism and racism in the pages of the Bible and we're embarrassed and ashamed. We've progressed. Modern values have moved past God's values. And modern Bible-believing Christians find themselves ashamed of God's Word.

It's not new, you know. It is exactly what the serpent suggested to Eve (Gen 3:1). Nor is it unlikely that an infinite and perfect God would hold different views and values and purposes than a finite, deceived, blinded, rebellious race of creatures. So you have to ask yourself who you're going to believe? God or Man? You have to ask yourself if you prefer the glory from Man or the glory from God? Careful, now. Your answer could have long lasting ramifications ... either way.