Later You Will Understand
EPISODE TWO OF FIVE
In the upper room, after washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus made a powerful concluding statement: You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (John 13:7)
Even the simple act of foot washing provided Jesus with an opportunity to teach and challenge His disciples. Beyond the obvious act of humility, there were deeper meanings they would only comprehend later.
The disciples enjoyed the meal and conversation, unaware of the cataclysmic events that were swirling around them. Jesus could see the pain that awaited Him and them. He knew that they could not grasp the severe humiliation and excruciating trauma that lay ahead, nor could they foresee the divine cleansing that was about to take place on the cross.
But later you will understand provided a cryptic hope that drifted over their heads.
Much of our life is lived in gracious routine. Not too many laughs, not too many tears. But when painful, confusing, or threatening events cross our paths, we naturally ask, why? We want to know if these seemingly random disasters and meaningless traumas have a purpose. We long to understand the reason for our pain.
On this side of heaven, we may not understand. But we put our confidence in the Prince of Peace who said, You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand. (John 13:7)
Later the Disciples would understand and begin a movement that would spread the good news around the world. As they grasp the amazing impact of God’s cleaning sacrifice, their lives were changed and they spent the rest of their days telling others. The words Jesus spoke to the disciples should impact us as well; they motivate us to share what we know now about the goodness and grace of God.
But what about the painful moments we all face? And when is later? We want to see the whole picture today. I want to know now. I want to understand why, and I want an immediate answer. However, if we understood everything God was doing there would be no need for faith. Paul reminds us, We walk by faith, not by sight. (2 Corinthians 5:7)
Yes, we will understand later. But that understanding may not come with a detailed rationale concerning our circumstances. Our understanding will be more about knowing the holy, loving, almighty God than about tactical explanations about our circumstances.
Walking by faith means trusting God’s character despite our excruciating circumstances. Knowing Who is always more important than understanding why. God is in control and working out His plan. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good. (Romans 8:28a)
Many nights I stood by Catie’s bed asking God what he was doing. I received no reply. I’m still not sure what God was up to, but I have the hope that someday I will understand. In this life or the next, the promise will be fulfilled - but someday you will understand. And that understanding is deeply tied to knowing the goodness of God and having a glimpse of God’s love for us that Jesus demonstrated on the cross.
