Read: John 16:12-19
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth. (v. 13)
The words of Scripture often seem shrouded in mystery. Jesus acknowledged a sense of ambiguity when he told the disciples, “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t handle them now” (v. 12 The Message).
Like with the disciples, there are certain things we’ll find out on a “need to know” basis. We must humbly admit that we don’t know it all, and no one person, leader, church, or denomination has all the answers. There are so many unanswered questions. Why do bad things happen? What about the end times? What will heaven be like?
The disciples were naturally confused when Jesus said, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me” (v. 16 NIV). Waiting is hard. So is a sense of vagueness or ambiguity. If you’ve ever had to wait for a medical diagnosis, for a loved one to come home, for a job to open up, for news about nearly anything, you know how difficult it is to deal with the unknown. We can only cling to the promise Jesus makes when he says “the Spirit of truth . . . will guide you into all the truth” (v. 13). The disciples didn’t know what was about to happen, and so often we don’t either. So many details are unknown, but the truth remains: the Spirit is with us and eventually, we will see Jesus.
As you pray, ask God to help you patiently wait for truth to be revealed.
About the Author
Denise Vredevoogd
Denise Vredevoogd is a private piano teacher who lives near Grand Rapids, Michigan. She enjoys reading, writing, gardening, and spending time in nature with her adult sons and daughters.
