“Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.”(1 Jn 2:24-25)
Things change. Days pass, seasons turn, years go by, children grow up, friends come and go, fortunes are made and lost. Some changes we celebrate; and some we dread. Some changes leave an indelible mark on our hearts. For better or for worse, change is a fact of life; and it has been for many centuries. The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who lived 500 years before Christ, once said, “There is nothing permanent except change.”
Things change. Days pass, seasons turn, years go by, children grow up, friends come and go, fortunes are made and lost. Some changes we celebrate; and some we dread. Some changes leave an indelible mark on our hearts. For better or for worse, change is a fact of life; and it has been for many centuries. The Greek philosopher, Heraclitus, who lived 500 years before Christ, once said, “There is nothing permanent except change.”
In the 21st century, the world moves so quickly that it can be difficult to find any stability at all. So then, what can we hold on to when the world is constantly changing around us? The answer, of course, can be found in Scripture where we discover the source of all peace, all constancy, and all permanence. Take a look at 1 John1:24. There we see the word remain used 3 times in one verse. “Let what you heard from the beginning remain in you. If what you heard from the beginning remains in you, then you will remain in the Son and in the Father.” No changing there...just remaining, staying put, abiding, holding on. Why? Because God never changes! “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb 13:8)
When we stop to think about it, what person or place do we know that has never changed? Only God remains the same, now and forever. That is why, if we ever hope to experience the peace that passes all understanding, we must seek Him with our whole heart and hold on to Him with all our strength. God is our Rock (Ps 94:22) when we are overwhelmed, our Guide (Is 58:11) when we are lost, and our Shelter (Ps 32:7) when we are afraid. He leads us with the compassion of a Shepherd (Ez 34:14-16) and is our Healer (Sir 38:9) when we are wounded and hurting. And on top of all of that, God keeps all His promises! “And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.” (1 Jn 2:25) It is an inheritance that is, “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (2 Pt 1:4) because God never changes!
“‘Save us, O God, our savior...That we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in praising you.’ Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, Amen! Hallelujah.” (1 Chr 16:35-36)
When we stop to think about it, what person or place do we know that has never changed? Only God remains the same, now and forever. That is why, if we ever hope to experience the peace that passes all understanding, we must seek Him with our whole heart and hold on to Him with all our strength. God is our Rock (Ps 94:22) when we are overwhelmed, our Guide (Is 58:11) when we are lost, and our Shelter (Ps 32:7) when we are afraid. He leads us with the compassion of a Shepherd (Ez 34:14-16) and is our Healer (Sir 38:9) when we are wounded and hurting. And on top of all of that, God keeps all His promises! “And this is the promise that he made us: eternal life.” (1 Jn 2:25) It is an inheritance that is, “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading” (2 Pt 1:4) because God never changes!
“‘Save us, O God, our savior...That we may give thanks to your holy name and glory in praising you.’ Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to everlasting! Let all the people say, Amen! Hallelujah.” (1 Chr 16:35-36)