God Knows Everything
This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.
Matthew 26:28
God knows everything. Everything.
Isn't that a little mind-boggling when you stop to think about it for longer than just a moment? Depending on where we are in life, it can be unsettling or comforting. He made this world and all it contains -- including us -- and knows how and why it all works. He knows all about us and where to find us (Psalm 139). He comes looking for us when we're far away (Genesis 3:8-9). He knows what we've done and what we're going to do (Matthew 26:21). Yet even when we mess up -- and, let's be honest, this happens regularly -- he still proactively steps in to care for us.
Look back at the story in Genesis 3. Adam and Eve blatantly disobeyed God when they ate the fruit he told them not to eat. Then they realized they were naked, and they quickly stitched together some leaves for clothing. God knew their disobedience and went to find them in the garden. He confronted them and gave them consequences... but then he made and gave them better clothes. They didn't deserve them, but God provided these clothes out of an abundance of love and care for them. Imagine your parents making your favorite dinner after grounding you. They were going to feed you anyway but it certainly didn't have to be food that you loved.
In Matthew 26 Jesus celebrated the Passover with his disciples. As they shared this meal together, Jesus knew Judas was going to hand him over to the chief priests and told him so. Jesus was fully aware this would lead to his crucifixion, but you know what he did next? He started talking about how this was going to provide forgiveness for so many sins... including what he just said Judas was about to do! Judas planned to betray Jesus. Jesus knew it, still shared a special meal with him, and even started the reconciliation process right then and there.
In two weeks we'll celebrate Easter. We know Jesus was crucified. We know he resurrected and is alive. (Amen, anyone?) And we know that provides life and forgiveness for us. God had a plan in advance. He knew we would need this, and he planned it out of love. We benefit from it every day and for all eternity. Thank God for knowing everything and caring so much to provide a way for us to be with him, even after (and even before) we mess up.
- Kathy