An Unchanging God

READ: EXODUS 34:5-6; MALACHI 3:6; MATTHEW 7:24-29; 14:22-33

The world is constantly changing. There are always new technologies being developed and new ways of doing things. Each generation puts different emphases on different issues. It can be easy to feel like our parents and grandparents don’t understand what we’re facing today because certain things about life are just different. Yet, no matter which generation you’re from, growing up is a process everyone has to go through, including Jesus. He knows what it’s like to be a teenager in a changing world filled with lots of different opinions, and He knows what it’s like to be misunderstood (Luke 2:41-52).

Even though everything around us feels like it’s changing faster than we can keep up with, one thing remains the same. God. Hebrews 13:8 says that Jesus is the same today, tomorrow, and forever. His love, His trustworthy character, and His commitment to rescuing His people and restoring His creation can never be shaken. Having Jesus be the constant in our lives helps us find our bearing. It helps us to know where to look when everything else is uncertain.

We never have to worry about God changing and becoming something different. We don’t have to worry that He’s not going to understand us. We don’t have to be afraid that He’s going to want something different from us. We know He’s going to be the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. • Tynea Lewis

• How do you tend to handle change? Are you someone who enjoys change, or not so much?

• What is one thing you’ve seen change in the last five years, either in the world or in your own life? Do you think people view this change differently depending on which generation they’re from? How might God be bringing good out of this change? (Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28-29)

• How could knowing that God doesn’t change, and yet He perfectly understands everything going on in our world and in our lives, bring us comfort through all the changes we experience? Consider taking some time to talk to God about the changes around you and about what you think and feel about them.

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (NIV)