As we get older, many of us find that very few people or things will give us real security and stay true for us. We hope to find someone or something that we can really count and depend on. How many times do we find that people we know seem to change over the passing of time; they just aren’t the same as they were before. What can be even more painful is when we experience a friend or loved one leaving, either through death or abandonment. Psychologists say that one thing both men and women crave is for security. Knowing that family or friends are there for us is important. In our Scripture passage for today the author of Hebrews shares with us Someone we can count on who will never leave us, and who also will never change. Let’s look into this passage and find out more about this truth.
As our passage opens, the author of Hebrews teaches that true Christian love will produce some actions. One thing that he encourages believers to do is to show hospitality to others (vs. 2). Several times Old Testament saints had unknowingly entertained angels, thinking they were just being hospitable to other people. Abraham was an example of this (Genesis 18). We are also encouraged to have empathy for those in prison or who are being mistreated (vs. 3). Jesus said His true followers would represent Him as they visit those in prison (Matthew 25:36). The author also teaches that marriage vows should be respected (vs. 4).
Another thing that he wants to teach believers is that they should be content with what they have (vs. 5). Many people believe that the larger their bank account is and the more material things they own, the more security in life they will have. They also believe that they will find security and their heart’s content in a spouse, children, or close friends. There is nothing in this world that will give us complete and unfailing security. Spouses may leave you. Jobs will end. Bank accounts empty out. Homes foreclose or fall apart. God is our only true security. God can sufficiently supply our needs. When we become materialistic, we are in essence saying that we don’t really believe that God can take care of us. He is the only one who has promised that His presence will be with us eternally, no matter where we go or what we do. We do not need to fear whatever challenges may come.
During difficult times we may be deserted by family or friends, but the Lord has given us a sure and solid promise that He will never desert us (vs. 5). Knowing that Jesus is always with us should give us comfort and courage, regardless of our circumstances. What can man do to the one who belongs to the Lord? (vs. 6).
In addition to relationships that don’t hold true, bank accounts that dwindle, and possessions that disintegrate, we also find that, even if they remain with us, things and people that we once counted on change. Friends and family say one thing, but do something completely different. The company we once trusted and relied on now has shady leadership. Even our hometown doesn’t look the same anymore! Where do we look for something or someone who is trustworthy? Someone who will give us their word, and never go back on it? Who in this world can we rely on? There is one Person, though, who we will find that never changes, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ (vs. 8). Jesus is completely consistent. He does not change. Jesus is the Eternal God (Deuteronomy 33:27). His ways are everlasting (Habakkuk 3:6). He does not change (Malachi 3:6). Jesus remains the same forever. That is why we can have confidence in Him.
Sometimes during the dark nights of our life we may not feel that the Lord is with us. We may feel abandoned by Him. We may feel that His love for us has changed. We should not build our life upon feelings. Our feelings are unstable and ever changing. Instead, stand upon facts. One fact is that God has said that He will never leave us nor forsake us. We can also hold fast to a sure anchor in the storm, and that anchor is that Jesus never changes. Do not choose a foundation that isn’t stable. When we fix our hope in Jesus, we can be sure that the anchor holds.
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