Always has been, always will be

I pondered this countless times.

Then the day finally arrived when I underlined it because I had wrestled with it enough. I knew it was true. Yet I am fairly certain that I will always contemplate the magnitude of this revelation.  My mind understands within boundaries of time so I can only grasp it by faith.

“I tell you the truth,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!” John 8:58

Jesus boldly declared His eternal identity as “I am.” He used the same name revealed to Moses at the burning bush (Exodus 3:13-14). The divine title.

Jesus is the great I am!

He was. He is. He will forever be.

He further explained His eternal nature in Revelation 1:8. “I am the Alpha and the Omega who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.” He was before all things and will remain forever. And He is Almighty over everything in between.

He is immutable. Hebrews 13:8 teaches, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”

I find amazing peace in knowing these traits of Jesus. Everything around me has a beginning and changes over time. From the values of our culture…to the topography of the land I walk everyday…to the technology of our time. Seasons of my life have had a beginning and an end. Relationships have come and gone or changed. I’ve witnessed the beautiful become broken. And I’ve experienced brokenness becoming beautiful and usable. Everything is so fragile. Life is fragile.

And I’ve changed too. The physical changes that come with age are one thing. And my emotions are constantly changing. But I’ve changed in other ways. My values. My expectations. My outlook on life. I’m not who I used to be.

But ahhh…to know that Jesus is above all of this. Always and forever perfect. Consistently good. Love impeccably defined for all eternity. The flawless balance of justice and mercy. Consummate wisdom. Always has been. Always will be.

He has never been subject to the fickle whims and fleeting desires of people. He is who He is. His holiness, His other attributes and His power are consistent throughout history. He has always been and will always be a promise maker and a promise keeper. He is forever faithful. He will always be capable of the impossible. He is constant in His enduring love.

He has always been and will always be…

Thoughts to ponder:

Do I live with an eternal perspective in mind?

How have I responded to His constant presence in my life?