What He Said Then, He Says Now

By: Lauren Thomas 

We are used to things changing. Seasons change. Children grow up. People grow old. Things wear out and are replaced. Fashion cycles. Friends move. Years pass. We may not like change, but we accept its inevitability.  

But when we assume this about God, that’s a problem.

Toward the end of the account of Solomon’s life in the Bible, we read:

 

9 And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the Lord, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord commanded.

1 Kings 11:9-10 ESV

 

Before this, we read about God’s visitation and communication with Solomon, about the glory of Solomon’s kingdom, and about Solomon’s wisdom. But in chapter 11 we read about Solomon’s heart being turned from God by his many wives who worshiped many other gods. What happened? What changed for Solomon?

 

Maybe Solomon forgot those words from the Lord. Maybe he chose to turn his back on them. Or maybe, Solomon just assumed since God hadn’t spoken to him in so long, the original instructions had faded or changed. 

 

We can learn a lot from Solomon’s failings, but another lesson hidden in his life is that what God said then, God says now. 

 

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.

Matthew 24:35 ESV

 

Because God doesn’t change. He is eternal. He is constant. He is unchanging. What he said then, He says now.

 

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

Hebrews 13:8 ESV

 

…from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

James 1:17b ESV

 

This goes for God, His word, His revelation to us in Holy Scripture, and it goes for personal words from the Lord. If the Holy Spirit has spoken something to you [that aligns with Scripture], He has not changed or revoked or modified it. If God told you he loved you then, He loves you still! 

 

In a world of constant change, God remains the same. And therefore, His words remain unchanged. His instructions and commandments have not been modified. His love continues forever. 

 

Reflection:

What previous instruction from the Lord have you maybe failed to remember?

How have you seen culture try to change or modify God’s word?

How does God’s unchangeability encourage you?