The Unchangeable Christ
In the midst of the confusion of a changing world, we have an unchangeable Christ who is sufficient for every need of life. We read, in Malachi 3:6, For I am the LORD, I change not. Along with this, we have Hebrews 13:8. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. We are living in a changing world in a changing age. Consider the past 25 years and how many changes have taken place in every phase of society. The years have come and gone; dearest loved ones have passed on, but Jesus Christ has not changed. Though centuries have passed, He is still the same. He is always the same, yesterday, and today, and forever. Those who follow Him need not fear change, for we are one with Him. We are His people.
Christ’s love never changes. I read in John 13:1 of Him loving His own and that He loved them unto the end. No one has ever been fully able to comprehend the love of Christ. In Song of Solomon 8:7, we read, Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Paul tells us that there is nothing that can separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:38,39).
The Scriptures state that our Christ’s sympathy never changes. Hebrews 4:15-16, For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. Christ is still the same, sympathetic Savior who wept over Jerusalem and whose tears flowed at the grave of Lazarus. He weeps with them that weep. He enters into every trial, every sorrow, and every loss. He knows and understands every heartache. He prayed for Peter, and He prays for us, that our faith fail not. Some have known His sympathetic, priestly ministry for 50 years, or maybe even longer. It will continue. It is always fresh and precious. He never forgets His own. One of our listeners wrote to me and said that he has known Jesus Christ for 66 years and Christ never failed him. Indeed, our Lord’s sympathy is unfathomable and it is matchless.
Next, I realize that Christ never changes as our Advocate. I read, in 1 John 2:1-2, My little children, these things I write unto you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. No believer will ever reach the place in this age where he will no longer have a need for the Advocate. Anyone who thinks he has reached a state of sinless perfection does not understand God’s Word. We have an advocate with the Father. Why do we have an advocate if we do not need Him? We always have Him and we always need Him. He is at the right hand of God, interceding for your sin and for mine, making immediate forgiveness for any sin we might commit. Indeed, we need His advocacy day-by-day for we are a weak, frail people, sinning constantly. How often it is necessary for us to confess the same failure for the same sin. Our Advocate is unchanging.
And then, I see from the Scriptures that Christ’s care never changes. He is the same burden-bearer yesterday, and today, and forever. He never forgets us. He never ignores us. Sometimes in deep distress we cry out, Doest thou not care? But His Spirit answers immediately, He careth for you. All of us have burdens and trials. In these complex days, they seem to be worse than ever. We cannot understand why God allows us to wander down such strange paths. But we do know that His care is unchanging. All things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. He makes no mistakes. He does all things well. Thus, day-by-day, we can roll our burdens upon Him with the assurance that He will sustain us.
Next, I see from the word of God that Christ’s power never changes. Centuries ago, shortly after His resurrection, He declared to His disciples in Matthew 28:18, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. As I see the way the ungodly are abusing power in this age, I am glad that Christ is the possessor of supreme power both in heaven and on earth. All angels, principalities, and powers are subject to Him. He can never be defeated. He will always have supreme power. Though some people have achieved positions of power, often they have abused this gift. But not Christ, His power is always exercised through His infinite wisdom. When necessary, He manifests this power in the believer’s life. He watches over us and prays for us, interceding constantly for us. When you and I have a need, the power comes. It is through this power that all of God’s gracious promises in the Word are accomplished, and all of His purposes are carried out. It is impossible for His plan to fail for He has all power at His disposal.
Thus, dear friend, if you are in Jesus Christ, you can rejoice in the fact that His love never changes, His sympathy never changes, His advocacy never changes, His care never changes, and His power never changes. Because of this, you can rest in the One who changes not—the One with whom there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Whatever your problem, whatever your need, take it to Him. He is still the same. The God of Elijah who performed great and mighty miracles is your God. He hasn’t changed at all. He wants to help you, but you must believe Him and trust in His mighty promises, knowing that He will not fail.
It may be that you need to draw near to Him. Could it be that you have not been fully trusting Him? You’ve been looking to people, or you have been trusting in your own strength. Surrender your entire heart and life to Jesus Christ. Let Him have full possession. Confess all known sin. If you will call upon Him in prayer and tell Him you want His unchanging power manifested in your life, He will grant the answer.
To those of you, who are encumbered by worry and fear, let me urge you to claim victory over these devastating evils. Tell the Lord Jesus Christ that you will trust Him; you will believe Him. Then, go forth to conquer, realizing that you have an unchangeable Savior. And, if you don’t know Christ, you are missing so very much. You need Him in your life. Why not receive Him just now? Simply say, “Lord Jesus, I want to be saved. Come into my life and change my life. I believe that you died for me and I trust You as my Savior and Lord.”
J. Allen Blair
For I am the LORD,
I change not (Malachi 3:6).
Father's Day
by GaryJanes
The day is celebrated on June 17th, 2007. God has placed the father in the home as the caretaker, the provider, the example, the priest, and the guardian. Don't let this important day pass without giving respect to God's provision of this special person.
If your dad is or has been absent, then choose a special man of positive influence in your life and honor him.
Fathers, if you've been a Bad Dad, then now is the time to change. When you change, so will your home. If it has been destroyed, you can begin the rebuilding process. If you've earned disrespect, then you will have to work hard to gain respect. It is never too late for God to work in the hearts and lives of a family when a man is dedicated to Him.
It may be a long road back, but there is no better time than now to begin road and bridge reconstruction!
Where Is Christian Love?
This is the monthly message offered in print. The title alone brings the issue to light. There is a deficiency of Christian love expressed in our world, even in the church. Have you noticed that after the handshake time in church, people don't acknowledge others?—One little indicator of the care that is missing in Christian behavior. Write for a free copy of this tract by Dr. Blair.
From Birmingham Alabama a long time listener and support writes: “I love to read this little paper and do read it avidly. I also save them to share with others. Of course, you know that everything Dr. Blair writes is the best and I love to support this ministry. I listen to him on the Internet because I can’t always get up at 5:30 a.m. to hear him on the radio. I use the tracts that he writes because they are so timely and to the point. I love to use the Thank You tracts as well. I wish you would print this in the Glad Tidings paper that comes every month. It might help someone else to order tracts to use.” E.H.