"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8 NIV
It is fair to say we all like routine and stability. We want things to remain the way they've always been. We become comfortable in our ordinary lives. However, we also know as much as we crave things to stay unchanged, things happen that upset our normal. We may be thrown, hopefully only temporarily, while we adjust to the new normal. For example, we all remember the state of flux during the pandemic and finding the new normal that followed.
As today's scripture indicates, there is an exception; with Jesus, there are no inconsistencies. The God of compassion, justice, and mercy that spoke the earth into existence remains unchanged until the end of time and beyond, so when we feel threatened and ill-equipped to handle the changes in our lives, we can rely on Jesus, our unmovable rock and foundation. We find courage and strength in his stability to navigate change and uncertainty.
The old hymn, “The Church’s One Foundation,” speaks to the unchanging nature of God. Here are the first and last verses.
The church's one foundation is Jesus Christ, her Lord;
she is His new creation, by water and the word.
From heav'n He came and sought her to be His holy bride;
with His own blood He bought her, and for her life He died.
Yet she on earth hath union with God the Three in One,
and mystic sweet communion with those whose rest is won;
O happy ones and holy! Lord give us grace that we,
like them, the meek and lowly, on high may dwell with Thee.
Whatever problem we are facing today–or in the future–we have the confidence God will respond with grace and love as he has all the times in our past. Our unchanged God is with us through this life and the next, looking beyond to the eternal home promised by Jesus. (John 14:2-3)
Father, thank you for your consistent love, forgiveness, and compassion. We are grateful for Jesus, our rock, to which we can turn when our worlds become topsy-turvy. Please help us remember your sameness as the unexpected happens now and in the future. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
To listen to “The Church’s One Foundation,” click here.
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