From: Ben Kelley
Subject: Some "I will's" of Jesus, part 6

Introduction from part 1: People who make the statement, "I will", quite often "will not!"  It's not that they are necessarily intentionally lying, it's more of a case of saying things in a generalized sense.  "I will" needs a "qualifier" to be more accurate when it comes to people, such as, "I will be at your house by 8 P.M" should have a qualifier added like, "if traffic is not too heavy and my car doesn't break down."  Since very few people use such preciseness in their speech, it means we need to realize they may not do what they say they will.  We cannot take people's statements as "Gospel", meaning absolute fact.  We cannot stake our lives on them being able to accomplish what they say.  God, on the other hand, is absolutely trustworthy.  When HE says I will, you can just settle back and relax on that issue, because HE will!!!  His Word is the law, and cannot be broken.  In this and the other messages in this series, let's look at some of the things Jesus said HE will, and therefore, will do! 

I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. (John 6:51 (KJV)  Jesus was speaking of His coming sacrifice at least 9 months before it came to pass.  Now, we have had heroes who gave their life or limb in an instant, when those around them were exposed to a life-taking situation.  Military personnel have jumped on grenades, absorbing the force themselves, rather than letting their compatriots suffer its effect.  Secret Service agents have jumped between a number of our Presidents and someone intending to assassinate them.  Police and fire personnel rushed into the twin towers in New York on September 11, 2001 in an attempt to rescue those inside, laying down their lives for others.  Yes, we have a number of examples like these to honor, but how many of these heroes do you think could have known what they were going to suffer as far in advance as Jesus did and still forge ahead towards it?!  Could they know so thoroughly that they were able to describe their coming suffering in explicit detail and not turn away?  Could they possibly do that for victims who they knew did not like, even hated them?  Jesus did not come upon this danger and react instantly; no. HE knew a long time before, yet HE said I will give my body and my life for all those who are my enemies at this time.  HE said I will, and HE did!!!!  Now, that's a true Hero!

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. (John 14:3 (KJV)  Jesus' disciples had placed all their earthly hopes in the belief HE was going to set up His kingdom here at that time.  They failed to see all the prophetic Scriptures telling of His first coming as the "suffering servant" of the Father, who would lay down His life as the sacrifice offered as payment for our sins.  They only focused on those depicting the second coming, when HE would rule and reign from His throne in Jerusalem, hopefully with them as His close confidants.  His talk of leaving without setting up His throne threw them into a tail spin, their futures turned upside down.  How many times have you and I thought God was doing one thing, only to find out HE was doing another?  How many times have we thought our troubles were about over, only to see another "trainload of problems rushing towards us?"  Jesus knew the disciples were feeling adrift, unsure of everything, but HE took the time to assure them His leaving was not permanent, that HE was not deserting them.  HE told them, I am going to set up another home for you, and if (the word translated being more accurately "since") I'm going to do this, you can rest assured I will come back to get you and deliver you to your eternal home!   When Jesus says I will, HE will!  HE gave them this promise so they and we would know HE never deserts us.

If ye love me, keep my commandments.  And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; (John 14:15-16 (KJV)  What a promise of peace and safety, Jesus said HE will pray to the Father for us and ask Him to send the Holy Spirit to be with us always.  Again, we are never deserted by God, HE is always with us, protecting, providing, and comforting.  Rest assured, Jesus is praying for you.  When HE says I will, HE will!

(This concludes this series)

Ben