SAME
adj: being one without addition, change, or discontinuance
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 ESV
Have you been disappointed lately? Has something or someone changed that you were not expecting?
During this time of uncertainty and struggle, I think we all can answer yes to this question. More than ever, we are desperate for something or someone we can count on to stay the same.
I have a special place I love to go to be reminded of God’s changelessness. Cannon Beach on the Oregon Coast is a rugged, expansive stretch of sand and waves with an enormous landmark at the edge of the water. Haystack Rock can be seen from far away on the beach and from the hills above.
I can remember being there during so many different times in my life.
Times as a child playing with my siblings in the shadow of the rock without a care in the world.
Times as a self-absorbed teenager not necessarily appreciating the view of the rock one bit.
Times my husband and I took our young boys to explore the rock at low tide–marveling at the marine animals in the tide pools and the sea birds that call it home.
Times I have been calmed by looking at the rock through tears of anxiety, frustration, or loss.
The last time we walked (more slowly than usual) to the rock for a precious photo with Mom.
And times I have watched the sun set in brilliant color behind the rock and been truly inspired by the creative beauty and power of God.
In all my years of vacationing there, Haystack has been a constant. Its impressive size and unique shape never appears to change, yet I know that this enormous rock is continually being forged and eroded by the crashing waves.
Even this rock that has been such a marker in my life does not stay exactly the same.
But Jesus does.
I’ve run to him as a carefree kid in Vacation Bible School singing about the joy, joy, joy, joy down in my heart.
I’ve embraced, then rejected him as a struggling teenager wanting to go my own way.
I’ve avoided him as a young adult consumed with selfish ambition.
I’ve reached for him as an overwhelmed new mom wanting to do everything right.
I’ve hidden in his arms–trusting him to hold me through storms of anxiety, grief, and fear.
I’ve marveled at him as he answered my prayers, surprised me with goodness and friends, and kept inviting me to know him better no matter what was going on in my life.
We don’t stay the same yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
Nothing and no one on this earth stays the same yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
But this promise reminds us that we are always, always loved, protected, and redeemed by the one who does.
Dear Jesus, you are the only absolute sure thing in my life. When my feelings are all over the place, when it seems like the rug has been pulled out from underneath my feet, and even when my choices disappoint you; you do not change one bit. Your character, your love, your righteousness, and your devotion to me stay the same no matter what.
Thank you for your faithful promise. Amen.
TAKE YOUR TICKET
He promises that we can count on him: from the creation of the world, right at this very moment, and for the rest of our lives into eternity.
Let’s take the hand of our unchanging Jesus as we make our way through this day.