Day 222/260: Read John 12

You have probably heard the expression, “Hindsight is 20/20.” It is easier to look back on past events and see more clearly things that were not obvious at the time. Twice in the twelfth chapter of John, the apostle makes reference to things that were not initially evident, but made more sense later.

The first is the motivation of Judas Iscariot. John notes Judas’ objection to the anointing of Jesus’ feet. He claimed that the money should have been used for the poor, but in hindsight, John saw that his words did not match his motivation. John said that Judas did not care for the poor, but rather was “a thief, and had the money box; and he used to take what was put in it.”

Later in the chapter, Jesus said, “And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself.” At the time, the disciples did not understand the full import of His words, but when John wrote his account of the gospel, he was able to look back on these words and see their meaning more clearly. “This He said, signifying by what death He would die.”

When things happen in our lives, we may not see how much it impacts us and those around us until years later. We may look back and see God working in ways that we simply couldn’t have grasped in the moment. Remember, James wrote, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” Good things come from bad situations, and we must trust in God to allow that to happen.

Memory (Copy into a notebook 5-10 times)

John 12:48. He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.

Pray

Pray for patience through the struggles of life.