One Thing Remains the Same

"For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. For, ‘All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever.’ And this is the word that was preached to you." — 1 Peter 1:23-25

In Granada, Spain, on top of a hill sits a palace called La Alhambra. The architecture and detailed design is unparalleled. This monument stares down on a city it has watched change for hundreds of years. Part of its fame comes from the distinct styles of architecture this fortress showcases; a tribute to the history through which it has lived after being built in the 14th century. It has survived as a fortress during the Arabic rule, a palace for both the Arab and Spanish kings, and now a monument for the world. Today, millions of people walk through this historic site each year.

For centuries, people have traveled the same roads leading from the entrance to the palaces to the gardens and to the fortress. Some lived in the splendor of the lavish walls of the palace, while others stood guard at the main gate or worked in the gardens. Now tourists listen to audio guides to learn about the remaining artifacts in the hope of shedding some light on what life was like for those who lived there long before.

Only one thing remains the same since the days La Alhambra was built: the Word of God. People come and go. Flowers bloom and die. Inventions surface and become obsolete. Wars are fought and won. Buildings are constructed and destroyed. New faces replace old ones. And palaces become monuments. But the Lord has been a steady Rock since the beginning and forever. The same Lord to whom generations of people have called, the same God who walked with His people through the desert, the same Father of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob still exists. He is God and will exist forever.

In this life, our possessions, accomplishments and even the people around us will disappear. The only thing that will not fade is God: His presence, His Word, His will and His work. It is these things that will remain permanent through all time. It is important for us to focus on the things that are eternal, and not simply waste all of our energy and resources on things that will fade away.

GOING DEEPER:
1. What comfort do you find in knowing God’s Word remains the same always?
2. How should you live your life knowing all you have will fade except the Word of God?

FURTHER READING:
Isaiah 40:6-8; John 1:1-5; Hebrews 4:12-13

Kelly McFadden