Hitherto Moments

Daily Gratitude Year Seven-Day 2: Today, I am grateful for the "hitherto" moments.

Think of them as bookmarks. Look the following passages up in the KJV and you will find "hitherto". A perfect example is in John 16. The disciples are nervous because of what Jesus is teaching. He is telling them that things are going to change. The "hitherto" is translated as "until now" in verse 24. 

"In that day you will ask nothing of me. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask of the Father in my name, he will give it to you."Until now you have asked nothing in my name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full." -John 16:23, 24

That is a strange and new idea to the disciples. It indicates what has been "until now"... but indicates things are changing. Jesus is rocking the establishment and by his death, resurrection and our adoption as children, we can have direct access to the Father as sons and daughters. What once required blood lines... is now achieve by the blood of Jesus. 

Another "hitherto" moment from John:

"But Jesus replied, “My Father is always working, and so am I.” -John 5:16 (Church leaders were trying to get Jesus in trouble for healing on a Sunday.)

I just learned that "hitherto" moments are a place to pause and evaluate. "Hitherto, my father is always working and so am I."  It has always been and still is happening. Again, a bookmark.  What has always been... what is right now... and a pause before what will be. What lies ahead is not contingent on what is behind us, because of the redemptive grace of the cross. Jesus put the needs of the the hurting and the lost at the highest priority. He was willing to die so that we might live. 

He knew his earth time was getting short. Did he whisper this ponder this passage from Psalm 90?

Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom. -Psalm 90:12 

This New Year will bring new life... new losses... and new directions for some. Look for the "hitherto" moments and pause. Reflect. Remind yourself to "Straighten your crown, Princess." Your Heavenly Father is mighty to save. He will lead the way. We can trust his heart... and His hand. 

Today, I am grateful for the "hitherto" moments.