LEARNING DAILY

 

Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

 

The book of Hebrews begins by telling readers that Jesus Christ never changes (Ch. 1,v. 12); it finishes the same way (v. 8 above). James 1:17 tells us “every good gift comes from above from God with whom there is no variation”. The psalmist writes in Psalm 102:25-27 “You (God) are the same and Your (God’s) years will have no end.” The Scriptures are consistent throughout about this truth. God and His Son Jesus Christ never change! He has promised to save us, provide for us, be with us through every trial and temptation we encounter and empowers us to endure until He takes us to be with Him in His kingdom. Our responsibility is to be faithful and trust in Him allowing Him to be responsible for the results (Tony Dungy).

 

What does “yesterday” mean? Consider who created the world, who blessed the world through Abraham, and who went before and after the Hebrews as they left Egypt and who parted the Red Sea allowing them to cross on dry land. I want you to think who was with Joshua as he led the people of Israel into the Promised Land and who was with the various judges as they led God’s people. Consider the promised Messiah through King David and who was foretold about through the prophets. Think about the “Word made flesh” who walked as a man among the people, crucified for their sins. If He was with the Old Testament saints, revealed Himself to the New Testament apostles, helping and guiding them, He will do the same for those who are called by His name today.

 

Let’s make it more personal. The nature of Jesus Christ has never changed. As He was guiding and helping Bible characters, He is doing the same for each one of His people, you and me. today. He is involved with every aspect of our lives today – right at this very moment. He knows our thoughts, what we are doing, our joy, our trials, sees every tear and knows every anxiety. The amazing part of this is He continues to love each of us like He does. Matthew 28:19-20 is called the Great Commission. In verse 20, the Lord Jesus Christ promises He will be with each of us until the end of the age. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus is with you and me right now because He said He would be and because He never changes. “Always” means always -- which means forever! In eternity, in God’s kingdom, He will continue to be with us and love us; there is never any worry that He will ever change His mind about us.

 

This means we can always know God will love us through all things we face in this life.  He will not change his mind about any of us and we can depend on His commitment to each of us. You can do so even when you do not feel or see His presence with you. When the world is changing and when people all around us are changing, Jesus never changes! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Knowing that helps me to stay on the narrow way that leads to eternal life in His Kingdom! Be encouraged!