John 12:37-43
Reflect
Seattle football fans have not once, but twice set the Guinness world record for the loudest crowd noise at a sporting event. Both games were held at the previously named CenturyLink Field. The first record set in 2013 was 136.6 decibels, and then in 2014 recorded 137.6 decibels. For context, an ambulance siren comes in at 120 decibels and a jet engine at takeoff is 140. In Seattle, while the home team has the ball the fans are much quieter, but when the opponents are trying to communicate their plays it becomes nearly impossible to hear anything. Needless to say the roar of the adoring fans in Seattle has been viewed as a very important 12th player on the field.
Apply
Looking at our passage today, we can see where even outside football stadiums, praise and encouragement can either be a huge boost or a crippling distraction. The religious leaders of Jesus’ day grew to love the praise of the crowd more than the praise of their Heavenly Father. It became more important to them than anything. As we go through this time of purposefully letting go of things in our life, will we be willing to surrender the desire to be praised by people when it may come at the expense of receiving praise from God?
Pastor Mike
Pray
- Pray for our Church Board members: Barbara Whidden, Cam Klapstein, Darryl Sparling, Gerhard Hiob, Hal Reirson, JD Kleiwer, Matt Chute, Seth Jansen, and Tyler Elmgren.
- Pray for our Custodians, Adit Gamble, Stan Goodnough and Anne King; Assistant Facilities Manager, Joe Richards.
- Pray for our office staff: Robin Radke, Jane Hao, Naomi Voss; Bookkeeper Lynette Carlson.
- Pray for our Senior Lead Team Pastor, Lyle Buyer, his family and his ministry.