Devotions: Unchanging

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 New American Standard Bible 1995

 

Jesus, the Son of God, does not change. His character, person, beliefs and values are always the same and consistent. Any inconsistencies we find in the Bible are the result of our misunderstanding, not proof of His changeableness. God is love. He was just as loving in the Old Testament as in the New. He is also perfectly just and always has been. Our perceptions do not dictate His character. We need to make sure that the ideas we have about God and the Bible are accurate and line up with the whole of Scripture rather than being misinterpretations of one or two passages.

It is interesting to note that this verse about Jesus comes in the middle of a passage instructing believers to maintain godly character and doctrine. There is no explanation and the sentence almost seems out of place, yet it is a poignant reminder. Just as Jesus is unchanging, so we need to make sure that we hold fast to the truth, not allowing ourselves to be swayed or misled by false teaching, and live lives consistent with the Gospel of Christ. He is our example. We also need to remember what is really important and not be distracted by arguments and ideas that are fruitless. The law and commands of Christ do not change, so we should not change what we believe just because someone is offended or believes something different. We need to stay true to the truth.

Do you believe that God does not change? What ideas do you have about Him that may be inaccurate? Are you easily misled by the ideas and teachings of the culture or popular figures that may not be strictly biblical? Ask God to correct your thinking. Ask Him to help you stay true to His Word. Determine to spend time each day in His Word so that you can know and understand the truth.