After the 9-11 terrorist attack we were all told that life would not be the same in America again. It has proven true; we see it most noticeably when traveling out of the country. We are hearing the same prediction concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. 

I know, you’re tired of hearing about it, I am too. I told myself I was not going to write about it, so that’s all I’ll say, other than perhaps it means more change.

My wife and I were visiting with our granddaughter recently and reflected on some of the changes we’ve seen since we were teenagers. We’ve seen a lot of changes, not related to a world-rocking tragedy. I’ve read that older people don’t like change and younger people like change. It’s probably one of the generational challenges we’ll have to live with. 

I’m thankful for the never-changing things about God that every generation can appreciate. The character, the purposes and the promises of God never change. They do not change because God does not change. His power, His presence, His unending knowledge of all things, His compassion, His justice, His holiness, etc., do not change. He let Israel know they should be thankful for it, “For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6, NASB). 

The fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden did not change the plan of God for fellowship with people. Hence, we see the promise of a redeemer woven through the Old Testament, beginning right after the fall in Genesis. His arrival is recorded in the New Testament and His name is Jesus Christ. He said “I will build My kingdom and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” (Matthew 16:18). He has been building His kingdom in the hearts of people since that time. Those who enter His kingdom experience change in their lives, “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

A further, pretty amazing, change also awaits them. The apostle Paul wrote, “For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21 who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself. (Philippians 3:20-21). He told the Corinthian church it would happen “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye,” (1 Corinthians 15:52). Then, in a place called heaven, the believing saints of all ages will be brought into God’s presence for fellowship with Him, and His plan will be accomplished. The change that awaits those who’ve rejected God and His Son Christ Jesus will not be so pleasant and it will be horrific. 

Since change is inevitable isn’t it best to be connected to the One who doesn’t? I hope you are!

— Reflections appears regularly on the religion page. The column features a variety of local writers, coordinated through the Monroe Area Clergy Group. Dan Krahenbuhl is pastor of Monroe Bible Church.