“Keep your life free from the love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we can confidently say, “‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?’” Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.” Hebrews 13:5-9
The months of September and October are often great times of change in our lives. The kids go back to school. Soccer starts again. Business hours change. Daylight wanes. Temperature drops. Leaves change colors. Football season begins, and baseball season winds down.
In the midst of these common changes, other personal changes can take place. Finances might turn bleak. A child might move out of state. A loved one might pass away. A close friend might change. A diagnosis takes an unpleasant turn.
Changes aren’t always bad, though. Perhaps a grandchild is born. A marriage announced. A treatment worked. A new opportunity arises. A promotion is earned.
But when you think about it, life is a series of changes, isn’t it? Nothing is ever fluid. Things are constantly in motion and in flux. Things constantly shift, and plans continually need to be tweaked. It isn’t just the months of September and October that are times of change: it is our lives!
However, in the midst of all these changes, whether good ones, or bad ones, one thing remains constant: our Lord Jesus Christ. The author of Hebrews succinctly says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” In the midst of a constantly changing world and lives, our Lord remains the same. His mercy, provision, love, and grace remain dependable. They are a constant. His faithfulness endures. His mercy remains true. His promises are kept and remembered.
As we journey through another fall season full of changes, we venture forward in and with the One that is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, Jesus Christ our Lord. The Lord bless your walk with Him this fall season.
In Christ,
Pastor Nick Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XXIII, Number 3, October 2021)