Begin with two minutes of silence and stillness before God.
If there’s one word that could accurately describe the world we are living in today, I think it would be “ever-changing.” Each day we wake up, it seems that there’s a new trend, a new technology, a new tragedy, a new teaching, or a new “truth.” As we are constantly tossed about in a fickle world, one verse from the final chapter of Hebrews remains a constant source of hope for us as followers of Christ. It’s a simple verse that I have found myself resting in often lately in the midst of a turbulent world.
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
As we reflect on all that we’ve read throughout our time in the book of Hebrews, we know that this is a reminder that the original audience would have greatly needed. The evidence we see is that they were facing persecution and wavering in their faith. They were doubting the faithfulness of the Lord because of the ever-shifting world around them. These words give something of great permanence to cling to - the hope that can only be found in Jesus Christ!
Today, these words serve to point us back to our unchanging Savior. When we face trials and tribulations, it can become so easy to doubt the goodness and promises of God. Just like in our earthly relationships, we have to really know someone and know their character in order to trust them. The way we grow in our faith and endure difficult circumstances is by knowing more of who God is. Psalm 9:10 says, “Those who know the LORD trust him, because he will not leave those who come to him.” We can put our trust fully in God knowing that He is immutable. He is unchanging and unchangeable, and so are His promises, His perfection, His mind, His will, His nature, and His Word! I’m not sure about you, but that’s something I have to fervently cling to in order to keep my eyes fixed on Jesus! And the immutability of God isn't something mentioned once in Hebrews; it's a theme throughout all of Scripture:
“God is not man, that he should lie, or a son of man, that he should change his mind. Has he said, and will he not do it? Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it?” Numbers 23:19
“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6
“Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.” James 1:17
No matter how drastically our circumstances change or our feelings falter, we must remember that the Jesus who saved us yesterday is the same Jesus who saves us today and saves us forever. We can trust Him absolutely because He is absolutely faithful!
Take two minutes to reflect in silence.