Scripture Reading: Hebrews 13:8-10
Reflections: What does it really mean to us that Jesus is the same yesterday,
today, and forever? How do we work through that? We can not imagine
what it must be like to live without change. How do we grab onto that
concept? We need a whole different way of looking at things, a whole
different paradigm. Anthony Collins lived in the early part of the 18th
century and was known as an influential free-thinker in England. In fact
he authored the works entitled, “Discourse in Free Thinking.” One day he
met a poor working man on his way to church. “Where are you going?”
asked Collins. “To church, Sir; I am going to worship God.” “Is your God
a great God or a little God?” asked Collins in an attempt to confuse the
mind
of the poor fellow. He gave this answer: “He is so great, sir, that the heavens
can not contain Him and so little that He can dwell in my heart.” Collins
admitted that this simple answer had more effect on his mind that all the
volumes of argument he had read in favor of religion.
When we live according to the realities of our spiritual life in close communion
with our God, it has a profound effect on how we think and
how we live. We realize that God does not change His mind about such
things as good and evil, promises He gives to His children, values that He
teaches in His word, or principles He expects us to follow. When we walk in
a way that is not in accord with His character, we are the ones who must
change – not God. Mr. Collins idea of “free thinking” is not the answer.
What we have to do is what the poor man on his way to church was able to
do – accommodate his views to God’s views – not the other way around.
Our text tells us, “Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines.
For it is good that the heart be established by grace, not with foods which
have not profited those who have been occupied with them.”
I. Questions over the biblical passage: Hebrews 13:8-10
1. What is the warning the author gives us in v. 9?
2. How should our hearts be established? (9)
3. What has Jesus provided for us? (10)
II. Application:
1. Why do you think it is so natural for us to think that God changes?
2. Why is it comforting to know that our God does not change?
3. What are some areas in your life that should change?