To Be Known Of Him

Nevertheless, among the chief rulers also many believed on Him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagouge: for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. John 12:42-43

John's words struck me this morning. many believed, but did not confess Him. The passage in Romans immediately came to my mind:

If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. Romans 10:9-10

also

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Matthew 10:32-33

So close to the Kingdom of God and yet so far.

I consider the example set forth by the cheif rulers, who were in love with the praise of men, and ponder my ways.

May my confession of Him be strong in both word and deed; my heart steadfast. May the Lord grant that I be of a willing spirit to lay down my life that I may gain His.

Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. Luke 17:33