(Friday, January 11, 2013)  All my life I’ve tried to fit in, to belong, to not draw attention to myself.  How ironic it is that here in India it is being different that is my biggest advantage!  I have a different skin color, language, home country and culture.  Because of that I find I have a hearing, an immediate interest arises, and people will carefully listen to what I have to say.  That is true of young and old, rich and poor, educated and uneducated, Christians and unbelievers.  My difference is my calling card, my open door to speak about Jesus.  They are all curious what this different man has to say, so I talk to them about Jesus.

Yet while I may be different, He is always the same.  Any place, any culture, any time, any situation – He is the same.  The Jesus I present on the other side of the world in India is the same Jesus we serve in America, the same the early church served 2,000 years ago.  He is no different, He applies to all.  ‘One size fits all’ is certainly true when it comes to Jesus.

Because I am different I have a unique opportunity to talk about the Jesus Who is no different than He ever was, Who is always faithful, Who always keeps His Word, Who loves unconditionally and saves eternally any and all who put their faith in Him.  I may be different but He is not.  His message is the same, so my message about Him is also the same.  Speaking to Americans or Indians, rich or poor, men or women, young or old, the message of Jesus and about Jesus never changes.  Even half way around the world it is true.  All around us may change and be different, but never so Jesus. He is just as real and available, just as appealing and compassionate to the poorest of the poor in India as He is to the richest of the rich in America.  He is the same as all of us.  He is no different, ever. He never changes.  He always remains the same.

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

What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is always the same, that He never changes, that His Word is always true, that He can be counted on no matter what?  Pray and thank Him for always being the same in your life.

 

by Rev. Dr. Jerry Schmoyer, Christian Training Organization