30 Jun July 20 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

JESUS IS ALWAYS JESUS

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

The world is ever changing.  What you were taught in elementary school may or may not be taught as true today.  In recent years history is being rewritten to better fit the current political or social climate.  Scientific thoughts of fifty years ago have been altered because newer research has proven past theories wrong.  Clothing styles and trends change about as often as you change clothes.  Home design is so much different today than it was fifty to one-hundred years ago.

The same can also be said for religion.  In 2017 a survey of citizens of the United States indicated that 24% believed the Bible to be literally true.  Today, less than ten years later, this percentage has declined to 20%.  In 2017 37% of the citizens of the United States considered going to church important.  According to a 2023 PEW research study that percentage is 20%.  In 2009 less than 50% of those who identified themselves as Christians indicated faith in Jesus is necessary for salvation.  This percentage is even lower now.

The writer to the Hebrews says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)  Acts 4:11-12 says, “. . .   Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Quoting these Bible passages, however, is not sufficient proof for the vast majority of Americans because they no longer consider what the Bible says to be reliable.

However, the only reliable and true source you have to learn about Jesus is the Bible.  Jesus said regarding the Holy Scriptures and knowing Him, “You study the Scriptures . . . These are the very Scriptures that testify about Me. . .” (John 5:39)  Jesus personally said in the very next verse that He knew there would be individuals that would not come to Him, “… yet you refuse to come to Me to have life.” (John 5:40)

Prayer: Lord, grant me complete faith and confidence that Jesus is my Savior from sin and the only way to Heaven.  In His holy name.  Amen.

Jesus! Name of wondrous love, Name all other names above,

Unto which must ev’ry knee Bow in keep humility.

Jesus!  Name decreed of old, To the maiden mother told,

Kneeling in her lowly cell, By the angel Gabriel.

Jesus! Name of priceless worth To the fallen of the earth

For the promise that it gave, “Jesus shall His people save.”

Jesus! Name of mercy mild, Given to the holy Child

When the cup of human woe First he tasted here below.

Jesus! Only name that’s giv’n Under all the mighty heav’n

Whereby those to sin enslaved Burst their fetters and are saved.

Jesus! Name of wondrous love, Human name of God above;

Pleasing only this, we flee Helpless, O our God, to Thee.

(LSB 900)