“For I am the LORD, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
Malachi 3:6
When people list the attributes of God, immutability is usually there. That is the stuffy, theological word meaning “unchanging.” God’s character never changes, and that’s a good thing. People, on the other hand, can become happy or sad depending on the time of day, room temperature, or their degree of hunger. Mood swings can happen in an instant depending on circumstances, so immutability is not a human quality.
The book of Hebrews describes the Lord Jesus: “Like a cloak You will fold them up, And they will be changed. But You are the same, And Your years will not fail” (Hebrews 1:12). As our great Unchanging Lord, He can be counted on to always be holy, loving, approachable, understanding, forgiving, patient, available, comforting, and real. The exciting thing about this is that He’ll be the same way tomorrow and next year. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
In the Muslim religion, Allah can change his mind and act differently with different people because he is “almighty” and answerable to no one. Although at times some Christians feel God has become distant and unresponsive, it is the human heart that changes and not the Unchanging Lord.
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life’s little day;
Earth’s joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
– Henry Francis Lyte (1793-1847)
September 23
