Always Means Always Read: Hebrews 13:1-19 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8 NASB) Years ago, the word always meant “without end.” When applied to a person’s oaths and promises you could count on him being loyal, true, dependent, faithful, patient, reliable, and instant in season and out of season. Prudential, one of the largest insurance companies in the world, uses the “rock of Gibraltar” as its logo meaning the company will always be there for its customers, and is solid as a rock. Over the years the idea that certain statements and convictions were always true has been deluded to mean “sometimes.” Our cultural dictionary in today’s world has redefined the meaning of always. Unfortunately, the nature of values, morals, and standards in our society has changed. If you were to ask the average person of the street what the word “always” means to them, a myriad of responses as diverse as the individuals you interview would come forth. What has happened to change people’s perspective on “always means always?” Have we allowed the world to squeeze us into its mold? How does our view of “always” affect our spiritual life? The minor prophet Malachi says, “I am the Lord, and I do not change…” (Mal. 3:6a NLT) Wow! Are you kidding? Unchanging? You and I change. Businesses change. Governments change. Society is in a constant state of change. Laws change. Is it possible that we worship an unchanging God – a God who always was and always is and always will be? Would you want it any other way? Would you want to put your trust in a God who is unfaithful, fickle, capricious, unreliable, devious, or impulsive? NEVER! Living in an unstable world where mankind claims there are no absolutes, I want a God that always keeps his promises. Always is reliable. Always is dependable. Always can be counted upon. I want someone who isn’t swayed by every whim of doctrine, or lulled to sleep by the promises of false prophets. I want a God like the one described in 1 Samuel 15:29, “Also the Glory of Israel will not change his mind; for He is not a man that he should change his mind.” (NASB) That, my friends, is a God worthy of our worship and our praise. Everything, including our faith is resting upon God’s “always-ness.” One thing we can take to the bank --- ALWAYS MEANS ALWAYS!
Posted on: Wed, 05 Mar 2014 13:01:10 +0000