Thursday, March 20, 2025

           Change is a constant.  That sentence may seem like a contradiction.  And, at first read, it could surely look that way.  How can change be a constant?  One way to see the word “constant” is to say it implies consistency and the absence of change.  And, one way to see the word “change” is to suggest that it is the lack of consistency.  But let’s try to rise above semantics and nitpicking these words too finely.  We live in a world where change is a reality.  Time is always marching forward and stops for no one.  Weather changes.  Seasons change.  Consumer prices change. Kids grow up (often right before our eyes).  Family members age and pass away.  Change is a constant.  And one constant is change.  The Bible speaks both to change and constancy.   
            In Hebrews 13:8, we find a brief portrait of someone who is unchanging—and constantly so.  The Bible says that, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”  He does not change.  James 1:17 reminds us that the Father “does not change like shifting shadows.”  Is it an encouragement to you to know that the Lord is unchanging?  We should be thrilled to know that the Triune God—Father, Son and Holy Spirit—does not change.  God’s love is constant.  His forgiveness is faithful.  His promises are certain.  Faith in Him can be held with great confidence.  He does not abandon His people.  When there is change all around us—and sometimes at a blinding pace—it is comforting and consoling to know that God remains the same.  We can approach Him with boldness and confidence knowing that He will always welcome us before His throne of grace.
            Psalm 33:11 says, “But the plans of the LORD stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”  God’s plans do not change.  He is still at work to call people to Himself, to redeem, to forgive, to renew and to bring new life to people who are thirsty, tired and ready to know Him.  His heart does not change either.  God is not moody or capricious.  He is not erratic and impulsive as we can be.  For example, God will never remind us of sins that He has forgiven.  He will never reverse His forgiveness to hold us guilty.  He will never withdraw His salvation from those who have embraced Him in faith and surrender.  He will act in ways that are consistent with His Word.  He is not confusing to us.  He does not tempt us or trick us to do what is evil or wicked.  He will never minimize sin or call it something good. 
            It can be helpful to read the verse that follows Hebrews 13:8. In 13:9, we read “Do not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings. It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace, not by eating ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those who do so.” When we know that Christ is unchanging, we do not have to worry about being led astray by “strange teachings.”  We can place our trust just as confidently in God’s Word today as the first-century Church did many generations ago.  We can trust the character of God and the ways of God.  He has not amended or corrected His ways because they are (and have always been) flawless and perfect.
            We can rest in the unbreaking arms of an unchanging Savior and Lord.  We can sleep confidently at night knowing that He is in control and on the throne.  If change has left you worn down, tired and broken, turn your eyes and heart toward Christ.  If the pace of your life is too fast for you to manage or navigate, turn toward the One who made both time and space and let Him navigate your way for you.  Psalm 101:27 gives us a final encouragement or commendation.  We read, “But you remain the same, and your years will never end.”  The Lord is the same—the same One who made you, called you to salvation and promised to remain with you always!  Rejoice in the Lord and His faithfulness!  He alone is without beginning or end.  He is the Great I AM!  Have a great Thursday!  Remember you can share our worship any time at YouTube.Com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.