The third time [Jesus] said to [Peter], “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.”
John 21:17
God is All-Knowing
Daily Devotion – February 9, 2018
Devotion based on John 21:17
See series: Devotions
Jesus knew that Peter denied knowing him three times. Jesus knew this because he is God and therefore he is all-knowing. That means that nothing has ever happened or ever will happen without his knowledge—including Peter’s sin.
Do you know that? God knows your every thought, word, and action. He knows everything in your past, he knows all about your present, and he even knows your future. He knows everything there is to know about everything.
Knowledge like this is incomprehensible to us. We acquire knowledge through learning and experience, but God knows everything intuitively. He doesn’t have to work for it, he just knows it. Plus, no matter how much we learn, there will always be things we do not know. God’s knowledge, however, is so complete that no one can add anything to it. And while much of what we claim to know is flawed, God understands everything perfectly.
That kind of knowledge is terrifying. Imagine how uncomfortable you would be if you had to interact with someone who knew all your secrets. Now remember that on Judgment Day you will stand in front of the all-knowing God. You can’t hide anything from him—he knows all your secret sins.
But as Peter told Jesus, God also knows that you love him. This love is not something that you conjured up on your own, it is a result of the saving faith God has given you. Jesus lived, died, and rose for you. And by faith in Jesus, God promises you: “I will remember your sins no more” (Jeremiah 31:34). What comfort! God who knows everything chooses to forget your sins.
God’s total knowledge is not a threat, it’s a blessing. God knows all about you, so you will never be lost in the sea of humanity. God knows your weaknesses and troubles, and promises to help you with them. He knows all the little details of your life and more than that, he uses what he knows for your eternal good.
Prayer:
Lord, you know all things. Thank you for using that knowledge for my good. Amen.
Devotions are brought to you by WELS and www.WhatAboutJesus.com.
Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
Print FriendlyPowered by WPeMatico