Daily Thought for Friday, April 15th

April 15, 2011

His Last Week On Earth As A Man – Identifying With Jesus – Part One

Acceptance and Approval

“Success has nothing to do with what you gain in life

or accomplish for yourself.

It’s what you do for others.”

–         Danny Thomas

Today’s Thought:

”The love of praise is the desire of obtaining the favorable sentiment of our brethren. The love of praiseworthiness is the desire of rendering ourselves the proper objects of those sentiments.” – Adam Smith

Today’s Question

Have you given any thought to the idea that, “The deepest principle of Human Nature is the craving to be appreciated?” – William James

Today’s Spiritual Thought:

 “ The sweetest of all sounds is praise.”

- Xenophon

“On the next day much people that were come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, Took branches of palm trees, and went forth to meet him, and cried, Hosanna: Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord. And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat thereon; as it is written, Fear not, daughter of Sion: behold, thy King cometh, sitting on an ass's colt. These things understood not his disciples at the first: but when Jesus was glorified, then remembered they that these things were written of him, and that they had done these things unto him. The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record. For this cause the people also met him, for that they heard that he had done this miracle. The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, Perceive ye how ye prevail nothing? behold, the world is gone after him.  And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. And Jesus answered them, saying, The hour is come, that the Son of man should be glorified.” – The Bible (John 12:12-23)

The beginning of Jesus last week as a man, on this Earth found Him journeying to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Passover.

It was on this journey into the city that Jesus was acknowledged and adored by the masses.  He was praised and honored as He entered the city.

Of Jesus it could have been said, “He only is a great man who can neglect the applause of the multitude and enjoy himself independent of its favor.” – Joseph Addison

Jesus knew that He was here at this place and this time for a greater purpose than to receive the accolades, and adoration of those who were there.

But, nonetheless there was a delight and a pleasure to be found in such admiration and acceptance.

We are often desires of such acceptance and approval from our peers, associates and fellow man.  Norman Vincent Peale said of mankind; “The trouble with most of us is that we would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.”  Jesus is worthy of the highest praise but it was not essential to His success and sense of purpose.  Unlike Jesus, we often feel we need it to be complete and fulfilled, but He didn’t.

Also, unlike Jesus, we often are not deserving of the praise, acknowledgement and appreciation we seek, but He always is.

As we enter this week of the Easter Season may we join our hearts and voices with the many saints of old and may we give honor to whom honor is due.

Praise Him! Praise Him! Jesus, our blessed Redeemer!
Sing, O Earth, His wonderful love proclaim!
Hail Him! Hail Him! Highest archangels in glory;
Strength and honor give to His holy Name!
Like a shepherd, Jesus will guard His children,
In His arms He carries them all day long.
Praise Him! Praise Him! Tell of His excellent greatness;
Praise Him! Praise Him! Ever in joyful song! –Frances J. Crosby (From ‘Praise Him! Praise Him!’)

Today’s Verses:

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Philippians 4:8

Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.

                        Psalms 147:1

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

                        1 Peter 4:11

Today’s Prayer:

Father, open my eyes, my heart and my spirit to see Jesus more clearly and help me to more effectively serve and praise Him and You with my life.