Never Never Never and Never - statement #12 from Jesus
Sep 29, 2018
“No, I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.” John 14:18
In this statement Jesus is assuring his freaked out disciples during the last supper.
For the Jews, they often compared a Rabbi to a father and if a disciple’s Rabbi died they would compare themselves to orphans.
“A commitment to an ongoing relationship and to the attitude and behaviour demanded by it. It is evident in human relationships and also in the covenant relationship between God and his people.” (Martin Manser)
God keeps his promises, which is the example to follow.
“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” Hebrews 10:23
“Praise the LORD who has given rest to his people Israel, just as he promised. Not one word has failed of all the wonderful promises he gave through his servant Moses.” 1 Kings 8:56
How does Jesus want you to treat others?
Ruth 1:16-17 “But Ruth replied, “Don’t ask me to leave you and turn back. Wherever you go, I will go; wherever you live, I will live. Your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. Wherever you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me severely if I allow anything but death to separate us!”
Never quit. Stay committed. Regardless of their behavior. People don’t have to earn your love and devotion.
- Boundaries are still ok
- Being honored is still ok
- Being friends is different than being committed
Be careful not to complain about this, because as a disciple of Jesus you are constantly called to be like him and do what he did.
What does it take to never quit
- Endurance
- Patience
- Faith - anything is possible...even a miracle!
“You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.” Matthew 22:37
Leaving the safe and familiar
With their hearts set on a heavenly prize
There were some who laid down their nets
And some who laid down their lives
Not sure where they were going
But they did not have to know
'Cause they knew who had called them
And they said, "We will go"
Point of Grace lyrics from "Any Road, Any Cost"
Down any road at any cost
Wherever You lead we will follow
Because we know that You've called us
To take up our cross
Down any road at any cost