We’re coming into the holiday season now and already there has been dismay and disappointment for many! As a result of airlines being under staffed or over-selling seats on their planes, people have either had holidays cancelled, or delayed, or even been stuck at their holiday destination. (Which I don’t think is as good as it sounds!)
How heart breaking it has been to see people actually getting to the airport, all excited about their holiday, only to be turned away.
As I reflected on these events, two things came to my mind. My first thought was consistency and the second was acceptance.
Firstly, consistency.
In a world where everything is changing one week to the next, whether that is due to the now abating pandemic, or the pending financial crisis looming on the horizon, we all need to be able to cling to something, something that is stable, something that has consistency. For Christians, that’s our faith in God. The Bible tells us that God never changes. Malachi 3:6; ‘I the Lord do not change.’ [NIVUK]
His love, His protection, His providence, His guidance, His omnipresence, always remains the same.
Jesus, also remains the same. Hebrews 13:8; ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.’ [NIVUK]
So, no matter what changes come upon us, whether that is a financial change, a health change, or anything else, we can rely on a God who never changes and is there for us as we journey along life’s road. In the words of the hymn writer, Theodore Hopkins Kitching [1866-1930]
How wonderful it is to walk with God
Along the road that holy men have trod;
How wonderful it is to hear him say:
Fear not, have faith, ‘tis I who lead the way!
[CCL No. 15506]
Secondly, acceptance.
When we come to Jesus, unlike an airport, we will never be turned away. Probably one of the most well known portions of scripture says; ‘For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ [John 3:16 KJV]
Again, in the words of another hymn writer, William John McAlonan (1863-1925)
Whosoever will may come,
And who comes to him shall never
Disappointed turn away;
Praise the Lord! ‘tis whosoever.
[CCL No. 15506]
That means anyone! No matter what we have done or where we have been, Jesus will accept any contrite heart! He always has, and He always will.
So, if you’re planning an away holiday or a ‘staycation’ this summer, may you be richly blessed and assured as you experience God’s consistency and acceptance.
Every blessing,
Pastor Steve