Today’s Reading: John 12:12-19
Hearing God’s Voice for Today:
“His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about him and had been done to him.”
* * * * *
As Jesus entered Jerusalem, crowds shouted, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” He was riding on a donkey— the fulfillment of a prophecy in Zechariah 9:9. Palm branches were waved at him and placed in his path—a reception traditionally reserved for Roman conquerors. The people thought Jesus was a military presence who would soon vanquish all oppression.
The disciples did not understand what all this meant until after Jesus’ death and resurrection. Not until they had put together all the pieces of the puzzle did they finally realize the significance of this moment. Looking back, they came to realize that Christ’s kingdom was not military in nature, but spiritual. They understood that his message was that of a shepherd-king conquering human hearts. It would be a conquest of internal choice, not external force.
The crowd had gathered because Jesus had raised Lazarus from the dead. Wanting a glimpse of the one who had done this miracle, they lined the road into Jerusalem. Like the disciples, many of them would not understand Jesus’ mission and how he would accomplish it until after his death and resurrection.
Frequently, spiritual truth is seen in hindsight. Sometimes you won’t understand what God is doing in your life. You’ll be confused and tempted to become bitter. The nasty head of unbelief will rear itself as you cry out angrily to God, “Why? What are you doing?”
It is in such times that you need to continue to trust him. Believe he is at work—especially when you can’t see it. Many people of great faith have learned that often God is on a multiyear plan.
What does that mean? Wait a few years. Commit to trusting him as you wait. Then look back at your life and see what he was doing. You’ll see pieces of his plan falling into place. You’ll begin to comprehend how he was turning your mess into a message. You’ll see his tests were meant for a stronger testimony. You’ll understand that a dark valley’s purpose was to give you a grander vision.
The Lord knows that today’s difficulties seem hard. He understands your path is not easy. He recognizes that living in the fog of the unknown can be challenging—sometimes seemingly impossible.
Continue to trust him. Commit yourself to waiting. He hears your cries. He is a faithful God. He will not delay forever. Endure patiently. God has not forgotten you. He rescues the godly. He is your fortress in times of trouble. Trust him in your pain.
Today, you look into a mirror dimly. Later, you will see more clearly.
And in heaven, you will see him face to face and understand everything with perfect clarity.
[from “Hearing the Voice of God” by Pastor David Chadwick, Moments of Hope Church, Charlotte, NC]