Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
This is one of the most powerful verses in the scriptures and one that almost every Christian knows by memory!
In a world where things change so fast, where life seems to move so fast and where we often feel left behind, it’s tremendously comforting to know that we have a Savior who never changes. We see change all around us, including in our own bodies. Talking about change, I am reminded of the old Beatles song, ‘The Night Before’. The lyrics say,
‘Love was in your eyes, the night before,
Now today I find, you have changed your mind’
That’s how fast things can change!!
In this devotional, I would like to share the following thoughts from this scripture.
1) The Power of Jesus Christ’s Name Never Changes
‘Jesus Christ is the same…’
What an amazing name!! It carries so much power and that power is still the same. In 30 years of ministry, I have seen broken lives renewed, strained relationships restored, sick bodies healed and hearts transformed through the name of Jesus Christ!! I have prayed in that name in hospitals, emergency rooms, funeral parlors, church services and teaching classes and even at the bedside of my father when he was passing away. It has always brought comfort and strength to people.
In Acts 3, 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” (Acts 3:6), and an amazing miracle happened!!
Someone said that the beggar asked for arms (alms) and got legs!!
2) Jesus Christ Never Changes in All Seasons
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”.
The latter 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. “You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood” (Isaiah 54:4). We are also reminded here of how good He has been to us in the past; in our yesterdays.
I was personally delivered from all kinds of occult practices and superstitious beliefs when I got saved.
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 because He 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.
It is said that Bill and Gloria Gaither were once wondering what the future held for their newborn 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 war, riots, free sex and the threat of nuclear devastation. However, in that moment, the Lord gave them the words of a song that has become a favorite of Christians for around 4 decades or more. It said;
Because I know He holds the future,
Life is worth the living, just because He lives. (Because He Lives)
May you be blessed by the powerful words of Hebrews 13:8!! Jesus Christ never changes.
“Praise be to the Lord, to God our Savior, who daily bears our burdens” (Psalm 68:19).
