In John 9, Jesus healed a blind man. The man was brought to some Pharisees for questioning, as were his parents. His parents confirmed he was their son, yet said “by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself” (verse 21).
The parents were fearful to offer any suggestions as to how their son might have been healed “because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. Therefore said his parents, he is of age; ask him” (verses 22-23).
They were fearful of fallible (and in this case, wrong) men. Such fear can hinder one from pleasing God.
Men, including religious men, are often wrong. Those who stand for the truth stand opposed not only to the “majority” of mankind (Jn. 15:19), but to many who think they are pleasing God (Matt. 7:21-23).
Instead of fearing the opposition that comes by standing for truth, we must fear what will come if we don’t stand for truth.
It is better to be opposed by men in our brief time on earth than to oppose God and be cast away from Him for eternity.
May we, like David, say “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1).
– Michael Hickox