By Don Schatz

The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same

You can listen to today’s Devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“See, I will lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who trusts will never be dismayed.”
Isaiah 28:16. New International Version

In my college years I spent a year away at a different school.  When I returned, I returned also to my old part-time job.  The Director of the program saw me, and that’s when I first remember hearing that old saying above–‘The more things change, the more they stay the same.’

Things have certainly changed for me over the years.  Not the least of which is me!  Physically for sure.  Have things stayed the same?  In many ways, yes.  I still love my wife, though she is in heaven now.  I still worry about my kids and grandkids.  I remain connected to the Lord through faith.  I seek to serve him.  I still need confession when I fail.  And absolution by his grace.  The Lord is still the cornerstone of my life.

In 1950, the church I attend had a cornerstone laying ceremony for their new building.  It made the newspaper.  Not sure that would happen today!  Our cornerstone is a nice piece of marble with “1950” etched into it.  It is now hidden behind shrubbery.

The New Testament says that Jesus is our cornerstone.  In those days, that was a critical, substantial stone that ensured the stability of the structure.  Jesus is still our cornerstone.  The structure of our lives depend on the critical, substantial Rock that is Jesus.  He gives us strength.  He keeps our lives true.  He provides stability, ensures safety, enables us to ride seas of change.

The more things change, the more they stay the same–Jesus is Lord and Rock.  For us.  Throughout history.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado