Future Joy and Present Faithfulness
Isaiah 50:4-9a • Psalm 70 • Hebrews 12:1-3 • John 13:21-32
"When he had gone out, Jesus said, 'Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.'" John 13:31
This verse jumped off the page at me today.
Judas had just been identified as the one who would betray Jesus and is sent out to “quickly” do what he was going to do. At this moment Jesus is still just hanging in the upper room with his friends. They are reclining around the table, eating and drinking. Just some friends celebrating Passover together.
Yet, Jesus says, “Now the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him.” How could this be? The crucifixion hasn’t happened yet. The resurrection has not yet occurred. But, somehow Jesus states that “the Son of Man has been glorified.”
HUH?!
Everything was now in place. There was no turning back at this point. Jesus knew that his arrest, trials, beatings, and death were imminent. The moment that Judas walked out of that room the die had been cast.
In spite of this, Jesus turns his attention back to his disciples and begins to teach them and pour his heart out. He does not run. He does not hide. He does not determine to fight. No, he teaches, he prepares, and remains connected in relationship with those he loves.
What we see in this moment is the faithfulness of Jesus on full display.
In Hebrews 12:1-2 we read, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God."
Jesus not only knew that there would be shame and pain in the cross. He knew that through his faithfulness there was to be joy and glory.
How often do I set aside future joy because of present discomfort? How little am I faithful?
Jesus' glory is wrapped up in his present faithfulness.
Jesus' present faithfulness is rooted in future joy.
Today, I want to grow in setting my mind and heart on future joy so that I might be more faithful in the present.