Always The Same
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever Hebrews 13:8
Change, something in life that is inevitable, right? Some change is good. Examples of good life changes are marriage or new relationships. How about a new baby? Parenting is a constantly changing experience with children growing up. Infant, adolescent, and teen years all come with abundant memories.
Sometimes change is difficult. We experience life changes impacting those we love. Having parents moving into late stages of their lives is stressful on so many levels. Personal health changes can impact previous plans. Perhaps you’ve been impacted by job loss – maybe needing to consider career changes. Parents of adult children can experience a variety of change including kids moving out to start their own lives. How about the impact of relationships that fall apart, whether your own or that of dear friend?
As we start this New Year, look back for a few moments at the years past and recall all the changes that you experienced. What’s the message this brings to you? I’ve concluded that the only thing we can expect in life with any degree of certainty is uncertainty. The last couple of years for all of us truly is supportive of this belief.
In this constantly changing pattern comes this promise from God – “Jesus Christ is the same today and forever.” In this world that is continually undergoing changes Jesus reassures us the He will never change.
Fact – In Jesus we receive God in the form of that little child in the cradle. Fact – At Calvary Jesus changes our status from sinner to saint. Fact – Jesus was around in Genesis 1:1, in the beginning- God. Fact - Jesus will be the last Man standing.
When we accept this Christ into our lives, we can rest with certainty that He will work in us a Godly change from sin to service and from self-love to God-love. The Jesus of scripture did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life to save us. Think of what that means. His love for you today is just as it was yesterday, and it endures forever – so tomorrow it will be the same. When did God ever change His mercy and passion for His created? Never has, never will.
Going back to where I began with examples of life changes - events will change our lives. May we make this one personal change – focus more on Jesus and allow His life to motivate us to always change for the better.
Heavenly Father may Your Spirit bring us comfort with the unchanging gospel. May we know that we are loved, saved by grace, and protected in the sacrifice of Your Son. May we always seek You, in Jesus’ precious and Holy Name. Amen.