by Greg Tidwell

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)

The deity of the Christ is seen in his unchanging nature, for only of God can we say: "... you are the same, and your years have no end" (Psalm 102:27, ESV). Jesus, being fully God, is the object of our worship and adoration. He is central in every aspect of our faith, defining what we believe and determining what we do.

Many problems arise when the church fails to honor and serve Christ in all things. Conversely, looking to Jesus, we find guidance for every aspect of our lives as Christians. If we want to improve, either individually or as a congregation, Jesus Christ provides an essential starting point.

Considering the unchanging nature of Christ, we see how this truth provides an essential support for our understanding of what God's people are to accomplish. As William Barclay observed:

"It is in the nature of things that all earthly leaders must come and go. They have their day and they lead their generation, and then they must pass from the scene. They have their part in the drama of life, and then the curtain comes down. But Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and to-day and for ever. His preeminence is permanent; His leadership is for ever. And therein there lies the secret of earthly leadership. The real leader is the man who is led himself by Jesus Christ" (The Letter to the Hebrews, p.223).

How can we have confidence in the direction the church is headed? Only by looking to Jesus. He, in His unchanging nature, provides a constant assurance that we are on the right track.

When the church remains true to the Lord it can work through any difficulty. If we fail at this point, however, nothing else matters.