“All I know since yesterday is everything has changed.” (T. Swift)
My loving husband has jokingly told me, “I don’t know who you are anymore!” Apparently I’ve abandoned the “reserved comportment” of my youth and embraced a straightforward and outspoken manner with family and friends in my old age. Fortunately, he doesn’t seem to mind, most of the time! But I must agree — I’ve changed.
Emotional development, learning, and maturity are healthy and good. Unfortunately, we humans are also wishy-washy, greedy, prone to lie when it suits us, and swayed by the crowd. God tells the Israelites you “have a long history of ignoring my commands. You haven’t done a thing I’ve told you.” (v.7 Msg.)
Contrary to ourselves, God boldly states, “I the Lord do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed!” People slip and slide around truth, spin away from rational thinking, or allow their emotions to control. But, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. He is immutable. Instead of permanently annihilating the faithless Israelites, He keeps the promises made to Abraham. God’s eternal purposes and love endure.
When the Israelites ask in verse 7, “How do we return,” God says—start by not robbing me. Bring in all the tithes. I’ll provide all you need. Trust me, I do not change.
Today, we sit with assurance that God is steadfast and true. He provides in every way. His love doesn’t falter, even when we’re unkind and unreliable. God wants us to return to Him. All I know since yesterday is…God hasn’t changed.
So, during Advent, we hope in God’s enduring plan to redeem us…and we are not destroyed.
Written by Laurilee Clugston
