Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
10 “And, ‘Lord, in the beginning You laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 11 Even they will perish, but You remain forever. They will wear out like old clothing. 12 You will roll them up like an old coat. They will fade away like old clothing. But You are always the same, You will never grow old.” ~ Hebrews 1:10-12
Because the readers of this message had experienced the rejection of their fellow Jews, they often felt isolated. Many were tempted to exchange the changeless Christ for their old familiar faith. The writer of Hebrews warned them not to do this: Christ is our only security in a changing world. Whatever may happen in this world, Christ remains forever changeless. If we trust him, we are absolutely secure, because we stand on the firmest foundation in the universe – Jesus Christ. A famous hymn many of us know and love captures this truth: “On Christ the solid rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”
Christ is changeless – “You are always the same” – means that Christ’s character will never change. He persistently shows His love to us. He is always fair, just, and merciful to us who are so undeserving. We can take comfort in and be thankful that Christ is changeless. He will always help us when we need it and offer forgiveness when we fall.
13 “And GOD never said to an angel, as HE did to HIS Son, ‘Sit in honor at MY right hand until I humble Your enemies, making them a footstool under Your feet’. 14 But angels are only servants. They are spirits sent from GOD to care for those who will receive salvation.” – Hebrews 13-14 – Angels are GOD’s messengers, spiritual beings created by GOD under HIS authority. They have several functions: serving believers, as pointed out in verse 14; protecting the helpless: “Beware that you do not despise a single one of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of My heavenly Father.” – Matthew 18:10; proclaiming GOD’s messages: “And I saw another angel flying through the heavens, carrying the everlasting Good News to preach to the people who belong to this world – to every nation, tribe, language, and people.” – Revelation 14:6; and executing GOD’s judgment: “Instantly, an angel of the Lord struck Herod with a sicness, because he accepted the people’s worship instead of giving the glory to GOD. So he was consumed with worms and died.” – Acts 12:23 – 1 “Then I saw an angel come down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit and a heavy chain in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon – that old serpent, the Devil, Satan – and bound him in chains for a thousand years. 3 The angel threw him into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he would be released again for a little while.” – Revelation 20:1-3 – The bottomless pit represents the place of the demons and Satan, the king of demons. The key to the bottomless pit is normally held by Christ, but was temporarily given to this angel. This angel whoever he may be, is under GOD’s control and authority. GOD may not always immediately punish sin, but HE will bring all to judgment. For this reason – if for no other – we should accept Christ’s offer of forgiveness. We can not afford to wait.
Thank You, Lord Jesus, Your character will never change. You persistently show Your love to us. You are always fair, just, and merciful to us who are so undeserving. We take comfort in and we are thankful that You are changeless. You always help us when we need it and You offer forgiveness when we fall. Jesus, You are our only security in this changing world. Whatever may happen in this world, You remain forever changeless. We trust in You. We know that we are absolutely secure, because we stand on the firmest foundation in the universe – Jesus Christ. HALLELUJAH!
Photo:Multnomah Falls, Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
Click on the photo to enlarge
