A very good morning to you my precious family in Christ

Hebrews 13 verse 8 says “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.

This is one of the most powerful verses in the scriptures and one that almost every Christian knows by heart.

In a changing world, where life seems to move so fast and where we often feel left behind, it’s tremendously comforting to know that we have a Saviour who never changes. We see change all around us, including in our own bodies. The fact that Jesus is the same is a big deal. It means that He doesn’t hate you one day and love you the next. It means that He doesn’t send lightning bolts down to zap you because He’s having a bad day. It means He is consistent. His love for us is consistent. This statement of faith has been a source of strength and encouragement for Christians in every generation for centuries.

People are fickle, but not our Lord Jesus. He loves us, and that love is the same every day. Think about how great it is that Jesus is the same. His love and opinion of us does not change.

Here are 3 thoughts from this verse.

1) The Power of Jesus Christ’s Name Never Changes

What an amazing name!! It carries so much power and that power is still the same. In my 27 years as a believer, I have seen broken lives renewed, strained relationships restored, hearts transformed through the name of Jesus Christ. His name has always brought comfort and strength to people.

The name Jesus Christ has been used through the centuries and it still remains the most powerful name ever known. Whatever struggles you may be going through, call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and allow Him to bring great change and healing into your life.

In Acts 3 verse 6, when a crippled man at the temple asked Peter and John for alms, Peter responded by saying, “…in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk”, and an amazing miracle happened!!

Someone said that the beggar asked for arms (alms) and got legs!!

There is great power in the name of Jesus Christ and that power is also available to us TODAY!!

2) He Never Changes – “Jesus Christ is the same…”

Since the present tense is used here, it means that Jesus’ claims, teachings and promises will never change. That’s why He constantly used the term “I am” to refer to Himself!! He is a Saviour who is always present to guide, comfort and strengthen us. Psalm 68:19 says, “Praise be to the Lord, to God our Saviour, who DAILY bears our burdens”. Therefore, He is with you, right now, today. And of course, besides His powerful claims, His love and faithfulness never changes either.

Listen to 3 of His many claims.

“I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25).

“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (abundantly)” (John 10:10).

“My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Are you willing to hold on to the never changing claims and promises of the Saviour who always “is the same”?

3) He Never Changes in All Seasons – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.

The last part of the verse covers every season of our lives in 3 different time zones; the past, the present and the future.

It covers our:

  • Yesterday – Jesus Christ can change the shame and failures of our past. Isaiah 54:4 “You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood”. We can all testify to His goodness to us in the past; in our yesterdays.
  • Today – He is faithful and real in our challenges today. Someone said, ‘the day of miracles is not past, because the God of miracles is still present’!!
  • Tomorrow (Forever) – He knows our future and has already planned for it. He has also planned eternal blessings for us. Besides that, this verse reminds us that our children’s future is also secure in Him!! It’s good to emphasize that to our children often.

Bill and Gloria Gaither wondered what the future held for their new-born child, as they looked at the tension gripping their country and the world around them. They were naturally, anxious parents, in a world filled with many dangers and the threat of nuclear war. The Lord gave them the words of a song that has become a favourite of Christians for around 4 decades or more.

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow / Because He lives, all fear is gone,

Because I know He holds the future / And life is worth the living, just because He lives.

Friends, be blessed as you meditate on Hebrews 13:8.

Prayer:

Thank You, Father God, that Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Thank You that Your goodness and grace towards me is unchanging and unchangeable. Thank You for the many precious promises contained in Your Word and for the blessed hope, for which we look - the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ, AMEN.

Much love from Maurice and Margaret