Thought for the week - Change or not?

The Orange Lodge which I belong to has a WhatsApp group by which we can keep in touch with each other. During the current season of lockdown it has been a very useful means of sharing information and finding out what the other members of the lodge are up to.

Recently a number of Brethren have been putting up old photographs and even a video of the lodge and band. Some of those photos date back many years and have stirred memories for many. They have reminded us of brethren and band members who we knew well and have since passed away.

It has also been interesting to see how people who are still about have changed over the years. Some of the more senior brethren are barely recognisable as the young men they once were. For many it has been a taIe of two lines - expanding waistlines and receding hairlines. Over the years we all change in many ways, appearance, ability, fitness, knowledge, wisdom and many others. Some of this change we might consider as being for the better and some of it not. The reality is, whether we like it or not, change comes to us all.

In a rapidly changing world especially in the last few weeks it is good to know that the God we worship is unchangeable. In Malachi 3:6 God says, “I the Lord do not change.” and in Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Our God is the great firm Rock of ages on whom we can depend no matter what changes come to our lives on earth.

If God does not change this means all we know about God does not change. The Love of God for His people does not change – it always remains strong and undimmed. The teaching of the Bible about the way of salvation does not change – we have to repent of our sin and trust in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour - there is no other way. God’s great promise of eternal life for those who have had their sins forgiven and know and love Jesus does not change. All who have come to Jesus are on their way to be with the Lord in the unchanging perfection of Heaven and will live there for eternity. So no matter what else may change in your life – or in the world around you, make sure you are trusting in the great unchangeable eternal God.

By Wor. Bro. Rev. David Reid, Grand Chaplain