Afterward You Will Understand

Daily Reading: John 13

Scripture Focus: What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand. (John 13.7)

Devotional Thought: One evening, Jesus decided to wash his disciples' feet. Peter didn't want it to happen: "No, Lord! You will never wash my feet!" Jesus said, "You do not understand." There were many things Jesus did that they didn't understand:

• Doing his good works 'under the radar' instead of seeking credit and fame

• Refusing to call down judgment on his enemies

• Taking time to welcome, recognize, and bless children

• Talking with women

• Forgiving sinners

• Bypassing opportunities to establish an earthly kingdom - especially at the height of his popularity

• Laying down his life on a cross

At times, Jesus' disciples simply had to accept the fact that they did not understand what he was doing. Although one day they would understand, at the moment they did not and could not.

How many times I have wished I had "the answer" people were looking for! Whether in the courtroom or the living room, at the funeral home or the hospital, I have often struggled to understand with people what Jesus was doing now. Those were times when we just had to hear the words of Jesus, "Afterward you will understand."

Are you in a dark tunnel right now? Perhaps like Peter, you don't understand what Jesus is doing. It's not that Jesus is keeping it hidden from you. Rather, in those places we simply are not able to grasp it. Wait patiently, friend. "Afterward you will understand."

Prayer: Jesus, how thankful I am to know that in all things you are working for my good. Even though I don't understand it right now, I trust you, for "You've been faithful, faithful to me. Looking back your love and mercy I see. Though in my heart I have questioned, even failed to believe, you've been faithful, faithful to me." Amen.

Psalm of the Day: Psalm 36.7-12

7 How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house, and you give them drink from the river of your delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light do we see light.

10 Oh, continue your steadfast love to those who know you, and your righteousness to the upright of heart! 11 Let not the foot of arrogance come upon me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12 There the evildoers lie fallen; they are thrust down, unable to rise.