"Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!"As we study the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, let’s take some time to reflect on a characteristic of God and how it’s embedded into this story.
I’ve been studying the character of God for the past few months with a great book by Jen Wilkin, “None Like Him.” For the past 2 weeks, I’ve been reading about how our God is unchanging, He is Immutable. As I study these pages I find great comfort that the one who set me free is always the same, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow--He is completely unchanging.
Do you know what that means? It means His Love endures, He is Dependable, He is Reliable, He is Trustworthy, and He is our Rock….FOREVER!
As I reflect on our constantly changing seasons, I know that we are all faced with trials of grief, joy, and fear of the unknown. Let me offer you some comfort sweet friends, as our circumstances change, our great God does not. We may be in the heat of a battle that seems unending, there doesn’t appear to be light at the end of the tunnel, but HE is there, waiting, supporting, and loving through friends, family, and even strangers.
God is good every day, I feel confident in this assurance and I hope you can too!
As humans, we often take comfort in the “Known.” Places, people, & familiar things, that offer solace and peace. Guess what dear friend, those things are changeable, they do and they will eventually change. I’m guilty of seeking comfort in my routines, being at home, and spending time with my family. The past few years have taught me that in an instant, that can ALL CHANGE.
Change can shake a person at their very core.
Change makes us realize, in a very uncomfortable and yet tangible way, that everything around us is in a constant state of change, but not our GOD.
As we go through life’s trials, we too are changing, and isn’t that a blessing! The God who made me knows me best and makes me changeable in this ever-changing world. My heart, my mind, the words I speak, and the grace and forgiveness that I extend to others. The grace and forgiveness paid for by the blood of Jesus.
On that Friday afternoon, as Jesus hung on the cross, he was flanked by 2 thieves, also being crucified. One of the criminals recognized that Jesus was dying for a crime he didn’t commit.
The thief turned to Jesus and said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” ~Luke 23:40-43
During our service today, Pastor Dino Rizzo mentioned 3 powerful points made in Luke 23:
The thief proves that salvation is instantaneous.
The thief proves that God loves lost people.
The thief proves that there is a place for you in Heaven.
What tremendous grace and power behind the words that Jesus spoke! The thief was instantly saved and welcomed into the kingdom of heaven!
Praise God for his unchanging mercies!
Praise God that HIS love NEVER FAILS!
So much unending love, grace, and forgiveness he has for all of us, we are all welcome at His table. When we travel through these changing seasons, regardless of our circumstances, pray and ask God to open your heart to others, spread the gospel of peace, love, and hope.
As we walk through Holy Week let us take some time to reflect on this amazing characteristic of God, His Immutability, His Sameness day after day, season after season.
The only true God-breathed gospel with words that endure forever and ever.
His words are unchanging and so is He!
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