Certainly There is Uncertainty

“There is certainly a lot of uncertainty,” the television news commentator reported.

Well…that pretty much sums up life, doesn’t it?

The reporter went on to elaborate on his statement, all the while sounding quite certain about his uncertainty.

Certainly, we all know, there is uncertainty.

Not just now. Not just us. Not just because of this and that.

Life, since the beginning of time, since the first man chose to disobey God, has been surfing on the crest of one uncertainty after another. All the while, we yearn for something secure. We work hard for it. Everything from politics to mouthwash teases us with sure promises of infallible outcomes. Yet at times, we all feel that free-fall into obscure-insecurity.   

Jesus came into a world of uncertainty. His people walked a political tightrope between factions which demanded their loyalty, money, and credence.  Roman rule controlled and divided.   

He entered an uncertain world ready to proclaim Him King one day, and crown Him with thorns the next. He walked with ecstatic “Hosannas” one day, and frenzied, “Crucify Him, Crucify Him,” just hours later. 

And how devastating it must have been to hear Jesus talk, day after day, of  the certainty of eternal life, then to watch Him die a human death.

But, Jesus came into humanity’s insecurity with certain purpose and mission.

“Let not your hearts be troubled,” Jesus told His disciples before the cross, “Believe in God; believe also in me.” (John 14:1 ESV)

Although Jesus lived right there with them, eating, crying and laughing together, unrest and uncertainty grew.

Judas didn’t get it, he ended up betraying Jesus. Peter, declared he would never deny Him, then claimed to not know Him. Even cousin John before he was beheaded asked, “Are you the One?” And, Thomas, our dear friend the doubter, didn’t quite get it, either.

“Lord, we do not know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Thomas asked. (John 14:5 ESV)

In fact, probably very few believed salvation would or could come from a dying Man hanging between thieves. In the sorrow and grief, the uncertainty of it all, they wanted Him to come off the cross, remove that blood drenched thorny crown and exchange it for one of gold.

But then He died.

Uncertainty weaves through the fabric of this world because it is broken by sin. The security Christ came to give, is often at odds with the insecurity around us.

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 ESV)

So, where can we find certainty in an uncertain world?

Hasn’t that been a question and quest all through the ages? Isn’t that one of the underlying disputes of our very existence?

For no program, no politician, no idea, or human leader has been able to bring lasting security. Rather, it is in the humble paradox of letting go and yielding ourselves into the hands of Another, that we are secure. Security is His work, not ours.Where can we find certainty in an uncertain world? Share on X

As Christ’s crucifixion neared, as the world got rougher, an uncomfortable uncertainty niggled His followers. Was He not the Messiah? Hadn’t He come to save the world? So, why was all the unrest closing in on them, on their families, and on their livelihoods?

Yet, all the while, Jesus was preparing them, not for ease but for salvation.

He was showing them the way to true faith.

“Jesus said to him, [Thomas] ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life.’ No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6 ESV; emphasis mine)

Jesus so patiently instructed the “I don’t get it,” doubters among them then, and He patiently urges us to trust Him now, because He is our only eternal certainty. 

The disciples expected the Christian life to look differently than it did. We  too want it to be different. To feel sure. But we will always feel insecure when we look to the world’s mess for our certainty. We must look to Him.

Jesus warned days of uncertainty lay ahead. Yet, He promised His presence would never leave them.   

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.” (John 14:27 ESV)

In an uncertain world there is rock solid security in Jesus Christ.

The earth shook and the sky darkened. Jesus, the One they believed was the Messiah, lay in a tomb.In an uncertain world there is rock solid security in Christ. Share on X

There is certainly a lot of uncertainty in our world. There will be days of not knowing which decision is best, what career path to take, how to proceed with a relationship, where the money will come from…in fact, we can be certain in this life, there is uncertainty. 

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.” (John 14:3-4 ESV)

Oh, but this is certain, the tomb is empty.