2020 Is Finally Over

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” -Hebrews 13:8.

“I can’t wait until we can back to normal.”  

How often have we each said that over the last year?  Never in a million years would we have expected 2020 to be the way it was. We lost loved ones. Many lost jobs. We quarantined. We cried. We shook with fear. We sat depressed wondering if we would make it through. Yet here we are. Still standing. Still moving. Still living. Life is not the way it was and it may never be the same again. But there remains One who is faithful and true: Jesus – He is our unshakable foundation when the “new normal” changes day to day. He is our hope that anchors our soul as we put our trust in Him.

Hebrews 13:8 states “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” Jesus does not change. Jesus, the all-powerful God, will never change. Jesus, our Savior who has taken our sins away, will never change. Jesus, who knows and helps us through all our weaknesses and trials, will never change. Jesus, who is everywhere… listening to every concern we have, will never change. Jesus, who has promised to one day return to bring us home to heaven, will never change. Yes, the world keeps changing, but Jesus never changes. He will not recant His words. He will not revoke His offer of unconditional love and grace. This verse reminds me that amongst the craziness of this year and the uncertainty of next year, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and for all future ages. This is an encouraging word for us whose entire faith and hope rest on Him.

Scripture tells us over and over that God will not change His mind, “…I am the Lord, and I do not change.” ( Malachi 3:6 ) James also spoke of this, “Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.” ( James 1:17 ). He does this to make His intentions very clear to us so we can rest in those promises. In fact, in Numbers 23, when Balaam was paid to curse Israel, God did not allow it, instead He pronounced a blessing on them:“God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through?” ( Numbers 23:19 ) What was meant to harm them, turned out as an encouraging word to them because God wanted them to know He will not change.

In the same way, we can let this truth penetrate deep into every thought process as we put 2020 in the rearview mirror and prepare for 2021.  Jesus is the same, He will not change.  “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”

Discussion Question:

1. How does Hebrews 13:8 affect how you look at 2020?
2. How does Hebrews 13:8 affect how you look at 2021? 
3. How does Hebrews 13:8 affect your daily walk with Christ?