"The Word Stands Forever!"

How long is forever?

Disappointed adults say, “I haven’t won anything in forever!”  Even though they wish that THEIR name would get picked as the raffle drawing winner, it always seems to be someone else.

Frustrated sports fans gripe, “But we haven’t had a call go our way in forever!” as they lose the big game that everyone thought they should easily win.

Exhausted wives tell their exhausted husbands, “We haven’t gone on a date in forever.”  And as they both collapse into bed, they wish things could be different.  But it probably won’t be anytime soon.

But…really…how long is forever?  We throw around the word “forever” easily, but there’s really only one thing that lasts forever.  God tells us all about it in this Bible verse: “The grass withers, and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever  (Isaiah 40:8).”  

The most thoughtful Christmas gift doesn’t last forever.  Thankfully, neither does earthly disappointment, tension or exhaustion – at least not for the soul in Christ.  Everything withers and falls, but God’s Word endures forever.  Not just for a few decades, centuries, or even millennia.  Not just for your lifetime, or for the lifetimes of your kids, grand kids, or great-grand kids.  

Forever!  That’s how long Jesus’ forgiveness lasts, as well as the home he has crafted for us in heaven.  Forever applies to his assurance that he will never leave us nor forsake us, to his peace that powerfully calms us, and to his love that always warms us.  It even applies to his vision that all things – even terrible mistakes – will work out for the good of those who love God.  But this is only found in Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh.

Start your decade by getting a grip on the word “forever!”  Listen carefully to the Christ-child in the manger.  He gives the gift of his Word.  It truly does last forever.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, give me a healthy, realistic perspective about the word “forever.”  That will help me to stay balanced through the ups and downs of earthly life, and prevent me from being trapped by self-seeking doubts.  Then I will attach my heart on things above, on what is eternal.  I’ll be an instrument of your peace, love and joy no matter where I go, and no matter what I do.  Thank you Lord, for giving me so many blessings that last forever!  Amen.

Nathan Buege
Pastor, Victory of the Lamb Lutheran Church
Katy, TX