No Shifting Shadow

No Shifting Shadow

Long ago you laid the foundation of the earth and made the heavens with your hands. They will perish, but you remain forever; they will wear out like old clothing. You will change them like a garment and discard them.

But you are always the same; you will live forever.

Psalm 102:25-27

I am the LORD, and I do not change.

Malachi 3:6

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

James 1:17

Let’s say you’re walking along the sidewalk, and you can see your shadow in front of you. But then later your shadow is behind you or there’s no shadow at all. Why is that? Because your shadow is determined by the sun, which is always moving around the earth. So your shadow is always changing.

When James said that God never casts a “shifting shadow,” he was saying that God never changes. He is steadfast and dependable. What difference does it make that God doesn’t change? Well, think for a minute what it would be like if God could change. If he could change, it would be either for the better or for the worse. If God could change for the better, then it would mean he is not perfect now. And if God could change for the worse, then wouldn’t that mean he would become a little bit evil? We could never really trust a God who changed.

We don’t have to wonder if God is going to change his mind about his plans for redeeming us or this world. We don’t have to be concerned that he might go back on the promises he’s made. We don’t have to be afraid his love will lessen, his holiness will be spoiled, or his goodness will be corrupted. God never changes.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

In what ways have you changed in the last year?

Are there ways you’ve been hurt by people or institutions or plans that have changed? How does it reassure you that God will never change?

What are some of God’s characteristics that you’re glad will never change?