From the Shepherd’s Heart: Jesus constant in a changing world

Published 12:30 pm Friday, December 29, 2017

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

We live in a world that is constantly changing. One can read of places where hurricanes from months ago have left islands in the Caribbean “without any power.” That sounds so dramatic until we accept that our forefathers never had “power.” During the holiday season, we hear of many stranded in airports and can’t make destinations on time. Yet, in times past, the idea of traveling so far to meet relatives was not even possible. Some can remember the first television when we could see a live person in a box. Now, we think nothing of “Facetime.” Some remember the first time they tried to withdraw money from an ATM. Now, we can take a photo of a check with our phone and make a deposit in a bank that is in another city.

Some change is good. We have eliminated the disease of polio. We have perfected heart transplants. We can remove cataracts. We can monitor our front door over a security system while shopping or dining miles away. We make more money than we did long ago. We live longer than we did 100 years ago.

Some change is fast. Computer software changes before we learned how to efficiently use the last edition. Many adults find jobs threatened because they have not kept abreast of technology in their field. “Phonographs” have been replaced by “reel to reel tape recorders” have been replaced by “cassette recorders,” which have been replaced by “8 Tracks,” which have been replaced by “CDs,” which is now downloaded on our phone. In the wake of all the change many valuable artifacts of the past are useless today.

Some change is painful. The loss of a loved changes a peaceful heart into a struggling soul. The retirement from a life-long occupation can make purpose difficult to find. The familiarity of the community can be lost with the establishment of “one-way streets.” Most change brings the pain of not knowing what the future holds. Age brings arthritis, wrinkles, feeble eyes, and shuffling feet.

But, amid change, there is one who never changes. That one is Jesus! Our Lord is one that has always been the source of every good and perfect gift. Jesus is the one who has always given himself that we might know love. He is the one that is always with us. Jesus is the Good Shepherd that has always given His life for the sheep.

Scripture says, “Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever.” Before the world began, He existed. After the world is gone, He will be sovereign. In every situation, His will is accomplished. In past event, He offers forgiveness and a second chance. In every future event, He has a plan.

In a world riddled with frenzied change, let a trust in the one who never changes. When He is your reference point, you will be ready for whatever happens next.

Bro. John A. Temple is pastor of Poplar Springs Drive Baptist Church, 4032 Poplar Springs Drive, Meridian. Visit the church website at www.psdbc.org.