“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.”
Hebrews 13:8
“The world has changed.” That’s the comment I kept hearing as I watched coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on Thursday. And indeed it has changed. Not one of us knows where this will end. Will Putin accomplish his goal of overthrowing the government of Ukraine and then pull back? Or is this a prelude to further aggression as he seeks to reclaim Russia’s former glory? What comes next? We really do not know. All we know for sure is that this action has destabilized Europe and most of the world. The world has changed.
And yet, even as the world changes, we who belong to Christ know that the really important things remain the same. Christ is still Lord. He still answers prayer. None of these events have caught Him off guard, nor will anything ever! No matter what tomorrow’s news may bring, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” And no matter what turmoil the nations of this world may stir up in the short term, Christ will reign in the end.
Knowing that helps us stand firm in a world gone shaky. Not because we don’t care. I hope you care very much about what is happening in Ukraine. You have many brothers and sisters in Christ, there, who are entering a time of terrible suffering. Knowing that should make us vigilant to pray and ask God to send them help! But because we can pray, we also do not panic. We remember that Christ reigns as Lord! So this – and a thousand other crises – will be worked out by sovereign hands for the benefit of His Kingdom, the blessing of His people, and the Glory of His name in the end. But for now, we are called to endure and to pray as we ask the unchanging Christ to draw His people near, comfort them in their affliction, and lead them by His wisdom. Pray that His light, which shines brightest in the dark, will shine here. Pray for the many refugees seeking shelter. And pray for His church to stand firm in it’s faith.
Pray for the People and Churches of Ukraine.
Pastor S. Scott Lee