I read this in today's Desiring God devotional and thought it was worth sharing... I know I needed these reminders today!
What are you more concerned about today: where Jesus is leading you, or whether you really trust him? I can tell you what Jesus is most concerned about: your trust.
When Jesus informed the disciples that he was going away and that they could not follow him where he was going (John 13:33), Peter asked the natural question, “Lord, where are you going” (John 13:34)? But Jesus didn’t answer with the kind information I imagine Peter was looking for at that moment.
Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen and why. He knew where he was going. He knew that the church age would bridge his first and second coming. He knew this age would be much longer and harder than any of those men would comprehend.
But he also knew that most of those details still would not yet make sense to them. They would understand later. But before he would bring more clarity about his will for their lives, they would need their presumptions, false conceptions, and self-confidence to crumble. They would need to believe in his power and faithfulness at a much deeper level.
Frequently Jesus doesn’t share our urgency for us to know exactly what he’s doing or where he’s leading us. His reasons for withholding that information are always good. His will for us is our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). And what that usually means is some form of “believe in…me (John 14:1). Jesus is your Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
A benefit of being a sheep is that you don’t need to know the way. You just need to trust your Shepherd.
When Jesus informed the disciples that he was going away and that they could not follow him where he was going (John 13:33), Peter asked the natural question, “Lord, where are you going” (John 13:34)? But Jesus didn’t answer with the kind information I imagine Peter was looking for at that moment.
Jesus Knew, But Didn't Answer
Jesus knew exactly what was going to happen and why. He knew where he was going. He knew that the church age would bridge his first and second coming. He knew this age would be much longer and harder than any of those men would comprehend.
But he also knew that most of those details still would not yet make sense to them. They would understand later. But before he would bring more clarity about his will for their lives, they would need their presumptions, false conceptions, and self-confidence to crumble. They would need to believe in his power and faithfulness at a much deeper level.
Jesus Doesn't Share Our Urgency
Frequently Jesus doesn’t share our urgency for us to know exactly what he’s doing or where he’s leading us. His reasons for withholding that information are always good. His will for us is our sanctification (1 Thessalonians 4:3). And what that usually means is some form of “believe in…me (John 14:1). Jesus is your Good Shepherd (John 10:11).
A benefit of being a sheep is that you don’t need to know the way. You just need to trust your Shepherd.
Wow. I really needed to read that. And not just for the benefit of waiting in our adoption process. Thank you for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteIsn't it perfect? I wish I didn't need to be reminded to often of God's faithfullness, but I guess that's the journey, huh? Our babies are coming soon... for you and me, both :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice reminder!!
ReplyDeleteAmelia! I'm writing you back right now... I'm so glad you emailed me :-)
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