The Beginning

"But there are some of you who do not believe." For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were who would not believe and who it was who would betray him. John 6:64 (NASB - emphasis mine).

Privy to this information, one might wonder when did Jesus find this out? How did He know? Let's dig in the Word for some answers.

In the beginning was the Word. John 1:1 (emphasis mine).

Beginning, found in John 1:1 and 6:64 is the Greek word arche meaning commencement, as in our English word archetype. Jesus didn't refer to the start of His earthly ministry, but to a point outside of time as we know it, long before He arrived on earth.

In the beginning God created the heavens and earth. Gen 1:1 (emphasis mine).

Before the creation of the cosmos, Jesus already knew who would accept/reject Him, and also who would betray Him.

When a person needs medical treatment, they are required to sign what's known as an Informed Consent. The person must understand any and all risks involved. This written consent must be in place before treatment is administered.

As the, Lamb slain before the foundation of the world. Rev 13:8, Jesus knew all the pros and cons of His mission to save humanity, including the identity of the traitor in His disciples. Fully informed, He came.

The beginning was before a singe person existed so how could Jesus know all this information? It seems simple, doesn't it? God's omniscient - right? How could He not know?

The Psalmist provides interesting insight concerning the recorded history of our lives.

Your eyes saw my unformed body, all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Psalm 139:16.

Before conception God saw and recorded His ultimate plan for our lives individually. Our time and place of birth was pre-determined. Our purpose and the part we are to play in every place and particular moment in time was documented. Whether or not we fulfill our destiny is another matter altogether.

Blessed with free will, we choose how our lives unfurl. Judas wasn't scripted to be a traitor, he chose that role. In some instances an individual's God-designed planned is overridden by another's actions. After billions of research dollars spent for a cancer cure, perhaps there's none because the one designed to bring forth the answer had their life involuntarily snuffed out prematurely.

Jesus, will wipe away every tear from their eyes, Rev. 21:4.

What could there be to cry about in Heaven?

Some tears will be of relief, gratitude, unmitigated thanks and joy. However, when the book containing our life's official record is opened and viewed, will we shed tears of regret? How did our life stack up to what God laid out for us? Was His plan grander than we were willing to believe? I wonder...how big is the tissue warehouse in Heaven?

It's important to realize just how interested in our lives God is right now. More than we recognize or believe, He wants His good plans for our lives to come to fruition. He has a vested interest in helping us discover every facet of it, and then walk it out to completion.

How about you? How does the concept of God foreknowing you and preparing a plan for your life before you were born make you feel? What does this speak to you about God's interest and involvement in every detail of your life? Since He's already laid out a way that guarantees your success (on His terms), what prevents you from asking for His help in fulfilling your destiny? Why not ask Him right now?