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January 12, 2009 - Change

”So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes.  Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem.” Gen. 35:2-4 emphasis added

One of the earmarks of a New Year is change.  We change our calendars.  We change our tax reporting.  We often use this occasion to change personal goals or resolute to accomplish certain tasks.  Every four years we usually see a change in national leadership. 

During the political debates this past year many candidates often spoke of change.  The word “change” resonated with scores of people around the country. 

I embrace change.  I like living on the edge of innovation and creativity, especially when it comes to sharing the Word of God.  As we search scripture we find that some things by there nature change; however, there are many truths that never change.

The message God provides throughout scripture has never changed. God so loved the world that he breathed life into each one of us and gave us a Redeemer – Christ Jesus.
The mandate God gave to all His children remains the same.
God wants relationship with His creation.
The model God sent for a purpose filled life through His Son Jesus Christ remains the same.
Sometimes the messenger changes.  God first used creation, patriarchs, kings, priests, judges, prophets, His Son, the Holy Spirit, and finally believers like you and I help create change.
Throughout scripture and modern times we see that God uses different methods to connect with His creation.  Churches, conferences, the written word, tapes, CD’s, DVD’s, television, radio, and the internet are all methods that can project a message of grace and love.
Finally, the other thing that has changed is mankind.  Unfortunately, many of the changes in our culture are away from a Christ-centered world.

To be a follower of Christ we must live in a changing world that requires us to be consistent in our theology while being flexible in how we present the message.  The Apostle Paul warned us that we are to “not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” Rom. 12:2

Living for Christ is also recognizing that we not only identify with Christ in his power, influence, glory, and resurrection, but like our Savior, we identify in his suffering.  There are positive changes that can occur if we see suffering as a tool to perfect and refine our character. While being very difficult, we can see trials as a positive change versus some kind of punishment from a tormenting god.

C.S. Lewis in his book Mere Christianity put it this way:

            “That is why He warned people to ‘count the cost’ before becoming Christians.  ‘Make no mistake’ Christ says, ‘if you let me, I will make you perfect.  The moment you put yourself in My hands, that is what you are in for…..You have free will, and if you choose, you can push Me away.  But if you do not push Me away, understand that I am going to see this job through.  Whatever suffering it may cost you in your earth life, whatever inconceivable purification it may cost you after death, whatever it costs Me, I will never rest, not let you rest, until you are literally perfect – until my Father can say without reservation that He is well pleased with you, as He said He was well pleased with me.  This I can do and will do. But I will not do anything less’.”

With all the talk about change, it is good to remember that God became like us so that we
might become like Him and that He came to live with us for a time so that we might live with Him for eternity.  He never changes.

Have a blessed week and New Year.  We hope you will pass these Weekly Devotionals on to your directory of contacts.  What are some other ways we can help you reach others.