Spotlight: God's Immutability

Spotlight 1

God's Immutability

By Daniel Carandang

Are you a big fan of change?

You have lived in your house since the day you were born. You’ve made lots of friends at school and your village is terrific. For sixteen years, you’ve enjoyed living in your house. But one day, your dad announces that he has been offered a new job abroad, therefore, the entire family must also come with him to live there.

You used to get teased because your friends told you that you ‘squealed like a girl’ and had skinny ankles. Few years later, your voice is as deep as a foghorn and you run faster than any of the boys in your class.

CHANGE.

Change is inevitable. It can happen anywhere at any time. It just occurs.

Sometimes, we like change especially when it brings benefits for us. Those new highlight apparently suit your hair and has made it livelier in appearance. The new Math teacher appears to be more considerate compared to the old one.

But, some of the changes we experience can also be unpleasant. The new braces installed in your mouth have taken away the joy of eating. The empty basket that once held your beloved pet dog is now empty and the sight of it echoes your loss. Your parents you once thought would stay together forever are deciding on getting an annulment.

Admittedly, change is intimidating and we can fear its arrival. We have this tendency to want things to stay as they are. No moving up or moving down. We want matters to be permanent.

Sadly, everything will change-

EXCEPT ONE.

God never changes.

What factors of God never changes?

1.       His Character

“I am the Lord, and I do not change...”

Malachi 3:6a

There’s nothing permanent with us humans. We grow up from being tiny toddlers to sturdy young men and women to old seniors with canes. Not only does our physical appearance change, also our hearts and decisions. Our character evolves as we age in years. Our opinions differ from time to time.

But not God.

Even if we change, He remains the same.

“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.”

James 1:17

His character remains as it is. Even if we disappoint Him or hurt Him with the sins that we commit, He still loves us unconditionally. He is faithful even if we aren’t.

The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy!

I am slow to anger

And filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

Exodus 34:6

2.       His Promise

Let’s be honest: every one of us has fallen victims to broken promises.

Our friends promised that they would show up to our big event but they fail to come.

Those group mates who said that they would attend the meeting but bailed at the last minute.

That certain boy/girl who swore to wait for you, only for you to find out months later that they’re dating someone else.

Broken promises hurt and we certainly don’t want to become victims once more.

Don’t worry; our God is faithful when it comes to fulfilling His promises. He may take time in executing these assurances but we have to rest in His word and believe that He would never break a promise because He is perfect.

“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5b

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:19

God will never change! We can have absolute security in His word. When God says that He will do something, we have to stop doubting and just stop. Our God is not like us. He’s far more different. He is faithful, loving and UNCHANGEABLE J