“Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2 During supper,.. Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands… rose,.. laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel,.. poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet… Peter said, ‘Lord,.. You shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘If I do not wash you, you have no share with me… The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean… but not every one of you.’ For he knew who was to betray him…
“Peter said,.. ‘I will lay down my life for you.’ Jesus answered, ‘Will you?.. The rooster will not crow till you have denied me three times.'” John 13:1-6,8,10-11,37-38
“Jesus,.. for the joy set before him, endured the cross.” Hebrews 12:2
The omniscient Son of God was fully yielded to His Father’s will. He knew the immediate, the imminent, and the ultimate, and continued on moment by moment, hour by hour, finishing His work toward glory. He knew His own, their future failings and faith, and the excruciating* suffering to come that would clean and secure them forever. And He kept on, loving them to the end, that they would, in the end, love one another. His knowledge and will folded into His perfect character and surrender, to God’s glory.
Man is not normally so boldly committed. If we knew everything that would transpire, we would shrink back. Wired for comfort and safety, and focused on present pleasantness over future good, we commonly shirk known danger and suffering.
If we knew the humility required to serve others, we might choose to spend efforts elsewhere. If we knew we’d have to endure false accusations, mocking, and physical pain, we likely would retreat rather than move forward. If we knew the expenditures involved in answering God’s call, or the pressure and opposition it would impose, we might close our ears. If we knew the hurt a close companion would inflict, the deception and betrayal by a friend, we might avoid vulnerable relationships. (Psalm 22:6-7,12-18; 41:8; 55:12-13; Isaiah 53:3-7)
Jesus knew the agonies of the now were worth the glories to come. In fact, they were necessary to effect that outcome. We, too, can know this through faith, and entrust ourselves to the One who is working all things for the good of His children. God will finish all He’s begun in us. (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-30; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18; Philippians 1:6; 2:5-11)
Do we limit our intake to the drivel of current events and succumb to their urgent edge of fear? Or do we immerse ourselves in God’s Word to understand how our stories end, His ways and grace and authority over all events? How will we add to our knowledge of the Lord so that in face of troubles, which are sure to come, we can keep on, knowing that He has overcome? Believing in God’s sovereignty gives great security and abiding peace in any present circumstances. (John 14:27; 16:33)
Lord, help me bravely and joyfully face my days, knowing that You are the Author and Finisher of faith, and that Your will and ways are glorious.
*out of the cross
As the rain and snow 