Blessed 2023 and also a blessed Lunar New Year to all our Chinese alumni!
As I was reminiscing about the new year that came so quickly even as I was dealing with the old year, a song I learnt in Sunday School decades ago, came to mind:
Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same,
All may change but Jesus, never!
Glory to his Name!
New years come and go and each year bring its own joys and challenges. But the song reminds us that despite changes, challenges and uncertainties, Jesus remains the constant One – HE NEVER CHANGES! What a comfort and encouragement to know that He is sovereign and unchanging. He knows all things and He is in control of all things – all may change but Jesus, never!
So we enter the new year with great joy and confidence that our God remains the same, yesterday, today and forever!
The writer of Hebrews reminds his readers that in the midst of discipline which God brings to his children, we must pay heed to the One who is the Author and Perfector of our faith (12:2). This Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (13:8). We are commanded not to stray or be deceived in the midst of many voices and alternative choices. We must continue to remain in the faith, trust Jesus Christ our Lord because he promises us – I will never leave you nor forsake you. (13:5), even as you and I affirm afresh – the Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me? (13:6)
This was the testimony of the late Dr Florence Tan (陈宝莲 博士), Associate Professor in Missions and Discipleship, at SBC for over 18 years. When she retired from SBC, she continued travelling to different countries to teach, disciple and mentor many more servants of God. She lived her live well, always keeping the end in mind. She desired to have on her tombstone this motto – loved by God, having lived for his glory (Salt and Light, Christine Leow, December, 2020). On 12 January 2023 Florence Tan completed her race and joined the many cloud of witnesses! Her life verse – For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21) is a true summation of her life’s journey with the Lord.
We do not know what 2023 holds for us. There will be great joy and new challenges. But that’s okay! We are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses who are cheering us on! And more importantly, we have Jesus Christ, who is our everlasting God. He never changes and he promises that he will never leave us or forsake us!? Hallelujah! What a Saviour!
Blessings and peace!
