ODJ: changeless

June 8, 2014 

READ: Hebrews 13:1-16 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (v.8).

She said to him, “I don’t want to try to fix our marriage. It’s over.” What had started with such high hopes and evident love was now a cold, lifeless thing. My friend desired to see renewal and restoration in their relationship, but his wife made it clear that the two of them had changed and that their marriage would soon end.

Sadly, human relationships are often fickle and lack permanence. But the writer of Hebrews tells us, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What’s more, the writer reminds us that God’s commitment to us is also changeless: “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you” (v.5; Deuteronomy 31:6,8).

When change in life causes pain, God doesn’t change. When relationships go wrong, He is still with us. These twin truths provide hope and peace when we feel like our lives are spinning out of control. Instead of being paralysed by fear, we can claim this calming reality: “The LORD is my helper, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (v.6; Psalm 118:6).

Like my friend, do you have a relationship that is sadly drawing to a close? Are you experiencing the challenge of a good family bond that has gone bad? Are you feeling shamed and rejected? Consider this: if you’ve suffered change because of your love for Jesus and desire to please Him, you are “[bearing] the disgrace he bore” (Hebrews 13:13). You have linked your decisions and ways to One who isn’t fickle, who never changes and who is always there for you.

You might not be able to praise your situation, but lift your head and “offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God” (v.15). His unchanging ways are worthy of all our praise! —Tom Felten
365-day plan› Luke 1:57-80

MORE
Read Psalm 102:25-27 and reflect on what it says about God and His ways. 
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How does knowing that God never changes bring you encouragement today? How can God’s unchanging ways help you grow and strengthen your relationships on earth?