So You Will Know!

The last night Jesus was with His disciples prior to His arrest and crucifixion, after speaking about Judas’ betrayal, He said:

“I tell you this beforehand, so that when it happens you will believe that I am the Messiah.” (John 13:19, NLT)

Then, a little bit later that same evening, after speaking about coming back to them through the Holy Spirit, He said:

“I have told you these things before they happen so that when they do happen, you will believe.” (John 14:29, NLT)

And then, towards the end of the evening, after letting them know they would be persecuted for following Him, He said:

“Yes, I’m telling you these things now, so that when they happen, you will remember my warning …” (John 16:4, NLT)

The thing these statements have in common is Jesus told them what was going to happen in the future – He was making prophetic statements.

But, these prophecies were not to help them understand the future better – the context indicates they were confused by them at the time.

These statements were simply intended to let them know some time in the future, when the prophecies were fulfilled, that Jesus knew what was going to happen.

They were intended to reinforce the fact that Jesus was the Messiah, God in human form.

Each of these things happened just the way He said they would. This gave the disciples greater confidence in Him. As a result, other things He said also rang true – such as:

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:1-3, NLT)

The Bible is filled with fulfilled prophecies. Its consistency points to a God who does know what is coming – who knows what the future holds.

There is still a lot of it we do not understand. Much of it may be like the prophecies of Jesus that night with His disciples – we will only understand it as we see it happening around us.

But, there is one thing in prophecy which is absolutely clear. Sin, with all it mess and pain, will come to a fiery end. And, there will be life beyond that end for those who are connected to God through Jesus.

We don’t know much of what it will be like there except what will be missing – tears, pain, suffering, and death (see Revelation 21:3-4).

Knowing this should be a breath of fresh air that animates and powers our lives now. We know God knows the future, why would He be messing with us in relation to eternity.

He wants you to be with Him and made it pretty simple. Just come to Jesus and stay with Him through whatever life throws at you. Based on the evidence, choose to trust Him.

Respond to the invitation found in Matthew 11:28-30 and follow the instructions there. And don’t forget how God feels about you as revealed in Psalm 103:8-13.

What are you waiting for?