By Pastor William Y. K. Brown Ph.D
(Resident Pastor)
Seventh-day Adventist Church
Osu-Bethel.
Tel: 0244165628/0243310773.
wykbrown@gmail.com
GEMS FOR MEDITATION AND PRAYER
SUNDAY
THEME: SECURED FUTURE: GOD DOES NOT CHANGE
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3:6
“For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
REFLECTIONS:
If you have a heavy heart, your world seems to be crumbling, your faith has been tested sore, your confidence has nose-dived, and your faith is wavering seriously, you can pause and meditate on the promises of God, which are ever sure and steadfast. For all broken-hearted, your God, the God of the Universe, the Almighty, compassionately declares: “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” This statement is a declaration of God’s constancy. Great support, fantastic backing!
The statement, with a seed of promise, is the kind of assurance you need for these times. As the economic crisis bites so hard, disasters destabilize our peace, sudden displacement of innocent individuals, unemployment escalates, wickedness soars to alarming proportions, and Christians have become pretenders and caricatures of faith, the word of hope is: “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” The mercies of God will be with us.
What does this clear statement of fact mean to you? “For I am God,” no dispute about it. No one can challenge the claim. And if He is God, it means He is all-powerful, eternal, and has creative ability. He states: “For I am the Lord, I do not change.” He is immanent and undefeated. That He does not change is His nature – He remains the ancient of days. He is a merciful God, and so is He (Exodus 34:6,7). How do these unique and divine qualities of God benefit you? Think about it.
One of the key benefits is that you have as a Father, the One who created the entire universe, owns everything in the world, is present everywhere at every time, hears, and helps those who seek Him. To put it in context, God announces, “Therefore, you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.” It means nobody can snatch you from His hand – you are safe; nobody can destroy your salvation and restoration; you are invincible in His name. It means you are so precious in His sight. He is not ashamed or worried about associating you as a sinner to Himself, a righteous and holy God. So you have a future, hope, and can aspire for higher things in Him. Remember, any threat or evil machination will not overcome you. God is solidly behind you.
MY SONG OF COMMITMENT
SDAH 106 – “Give to Our God Immortal Praise”
LET US PRAY
– Praise and thank God for His care; thank Him for His constant presence and support; pray to have assurance in His unfailing promises;
– Pray for family and church members who are facing severe challenges; pray for victims of war and disaster, refugees, and asylum seekers;
– Pray for displaced children and women; pray for unemployed youth; pray for the sick and grieving families;
– Pray for the Christian message of love and the second coming of Christ to reach the unreached; pray for Christians to be examples of good works; pray for all leaders to show commitment.
