Pastor Perspective

“Change…Not” by Mike Hill, pastor of Calvary Chapel Aberdeen

I have an occasional recurring dream of my high school years.  Standing in front of my locker, I frantically turn the dial to no avail.  I can’t remember the combination…again! 

It’s been 25 years since my graduation.  Lots of changes have occurred over that time span.  College.  Marriage.  Children.  Several moves in locations as well as vocations.  Most important of all, my conversion to Christianity.  Many changes indeed. 

I recently visited my high school campus with my sister.  It was a surreal experience.  We felt like we were in a “Back to the Future” episode.  The school which I remember as clean and brand new, was now run-down, windows broken, and covered with graffiti.  Things change over time.

Change is a natural part of life. It seems logical to many people that since we grow, change, and reproduce, that God would do the same.  It’s reasonable to conclude that since the universe is subject to change, then God must also change.  But what does God say about Himself?  “I am the LORD, I do not change” (Malachi 3:6a).  God always remains the same.  He is “the Beginning and the End…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).  God is described in His Word as a God of love.  He is merciful.  Righteous.  Holy.  Omnipresent [He’s everywhere].  Omnipotent [He’s all-powerful]. Omniscient [He’s all-knowing]. And He always will be, since He remains the same.  Therefore, God does not grow, change, or even reproduce.  God declares, “Before Me there was no god formed, nor shall there be after Me.  I, even I, am the LORD, and besides Me there is no Savior” (Isaiah 43:10b-11).  Jesus also said His word does not change (cf. Matthew 24:35)

Since God does not change, we can depend on Him and His word.  For example, God is described as a present help in trouble, therefore we can rest in Him in the midst of adversity (See Psalm 46:1).  Jesus said His Word is truth (John 17:17), therefore we can always trust what He says in the Bible, even when the opinions, viewpoints, and feelings of others differ.  Best of all, we are invited to a personal relationship with the living God:  “And you shall seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all of your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13).

Though you’ve changed over the years--aged, maybe forgotten more than what you’ve learned, you can rest assured that God will not ever forget you.  Because He is still the same.