19 “I am telling you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He.”
Ever like the Good Shepherd to lovingly take care of His sheep by preparing them for what lay ahead. Don’t you know that what He spoke to the disciples danced around in their minds after the fulfillment of what He stated took place? Certainly His Words must have brought them as much comfort, peace and joy as they did understanding. He wanted them to know of the coming fall of one of their number so as not to leave them confounded and anxious, fretful and faithless over the appearance of the lack of omnipotence. His desire was for them, rather, to obtain a fresh reason for believing that He was Whom He said He was - the Messiah – the “I AM”. We find a little later in John similar Words from our Lord:
28 "You heard me say, 'I am going away and I am coming back to you.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I. 29 I have told you now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe. 30 I will not speak with you much longer, for the prince of this world is coming. He has no hold on me, 31 but the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me. John 14:28-31 (NIV)
Fulfilled prophecy is a great comfort, encouragement and support to believers. Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection to His guys many times. This would serve to greatly increase their faith after the initial shock wore off. The prophet Isaiah tells us that one of God’s purposes behind prophecy proves there is none like Him – God is totally Other:
8 "Remember this, fix it in mind, take it to heart, you rebels. 9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please. Isaiah 46:8-10 (NIV)
Peter gives us the following insight in regard to prophecy found in Scripture admonishing us to take heed to the Word:
19 And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet's own interpretation. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Peter 1:19-21 (NIV)
God’s written Word has both validity and authority. Peter tells us there is surety found in the written revelation of the prophets – it is as a Light shining in a dark place enlightening and preparing believers regarding God’s ways through the power of the Holy Spirit – illuminating our hearts and bringing us understanding. All of Scripture is a “Paraklesis” – “an exhortation, admonition, or encouragement for the purpose of strengthening and establishing the believer in his faith.” Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible – New Testament Lexical Aids. Paul tells us in Romans:
4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4 (NIV)
All of Scripture is God-breathed and profitable for us and all prophecy and promises will one day come to pass – we can count on it. I have been encouraged recently by reading yet again the words found in Joshua regarding God’s punctilious faithfulness in the fulfillment of every good promise fully knowing that God remains the same yesterday, today and tomorrow:
14 "Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. Josh 23:14 (NIV)
7 Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Heb 13:7-8 (NIV)
“But there’s a decision that I find God is asking us to make: whether we are going to choose to interpret our circumstances based on what we hold to be true about God, or whether we’re going to judge what we hold to be true about God based on our circumstances. People ask how we’re doing, and I like to say: ‘We have a faithful God.’ Every promise he’s kept, every need he’s met.” Laura Story