MORNING MANNA          1/1/21

As we face the new year, as different as we are, we all have one thing in common – we are hoping for change. And I can promise you, change is coming! But before you get to excited, I have to tell you it might be worse rather than better. We just don’t know. The fact is, we don’t just want change, we want improvement – we want things to get better. Yet we are forced to face the fact that we don’t know the future. We have to live with uncertainty, and that can be uncomfortable.

The question is, “How do we do it?” Sometimes it seems impossible. Here’s the answer – We can face the uncertainties by focusing on the certainties. We confront the challenges with confidence by considering that which never changes. That leaves us only one place to look, as Heb. 12:2 says, “Looking unto Jesus“. That’s the only way to keep from getting deceived, distracted, depressed and discouraged, which is dangerous.

To feel the impact of our text it helps to consider that it was written about 35 years after the crucifixion of Christ. It was a time when the Jewish Christians were hated, persecuted, scattered, and discouraged. This letter was written to boost their confidence in Christ, giving them courage to face their hardships. But it also helps us today. We ought to be thankful that we have an eternal relationship with Him who is the same year after year throughout the centuries. We can depend upon Him because He is never changing and always present. Neither the years of time, the age of our body, the hardness of the way, nor the failing of the flesh can diminish the quality of our relationship with Christ.

In light of the fact that our bodies grow older and weaker, the pages of the calendar keep turning and times keep changing it is sometimes hard for us to grasp the concept of something never changing. But when it comes to God Himself we can rely upon the truthfulness of His word and the testimony of His people. When we read our text it gives us assurance and comfort. There is never a time when we are without help.The earth might quake and the mountains might fall, but our hope is settled upon Christ the solid rock, the Rock of Ages. Whatever the new year holds, this old truth prepares us to face it with firm assurance. Neither the person, the power, nor the promises of Christ ever change. -HDS

David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346