YESTERDAY, TODAY, FOREVER

        Lately a phrase from the hymn "Abide With Me" keeps flooding through my mind. "Change and decay in all around I see."  And how true that phrase is in today's world.  It often appears that everything around us is changing and often these changes are not for the good.  We long for a sure foundation and for stability and truths that we can depend upon.   And, thankfully, we find that only in Jesus Christ and His Word.  We marvel at the truth that centuries ago He came to this earth to pay the price for our salvation. That truth will never change. And while here on earth He performed many miracles, He healed the sick, He made the blind to see again, He made the lame to walk again, He comforted the poor and weak, He controlled the elements and He conquered the grave.  And that power has not changed. The amazing thing is that while He no longer walks on this earth, this same Jesus still cares for us and works in the lives of believers today.  "All may change, but Jesus never!"  And what a comfort that should be for us.  Based on Hebrews 13:8, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever", Albert Simpson (1843-1919) expressed this truth in this week's hymn choice.  Simpson was  a pastor and served mainly in U.S. churches, eventually founding the Christian and Missionary Alliance Church. In the early 1880's his health gave way and doctors told him that he had only a few months to live. However, Simpson experienced a dramatic healing, enabling him to continue in active ministry for another thirty-five years. He wrote about 170 hymns, most of them published in Alliance hymnbooks.  This particular hymn of his reminds us that the risen Savior is alive and that He hasn't changed. Nor will He ever.  His promises are still true.  He still walks beside His children. He still cares about all of our needs. He still is all powerful today as He was yesterday. May we never forget that.  All may change, but Jesus never!  Glory to His name. 

1.     O how sweet the glorious message simple faith may claim

Yesterday, today, forever Jesus is the same.

Still He loves to save the sinful, heal the sick and lame

Cheer the mourner, still the tempest, glory to His Name.

Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

Glory to His Name! Glory to His Name!

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

2.     He, who was the Friend of sinners, seeks the lost one now

Sinner come, and at His footstool penitently bow

He Who said "I'll not condemn thee, go and sin no more,"

Speaks to thee that word of pardon as in days of yore.

Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

Glory to His Name! Glory to His Name!

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

3.     Oft on earth He healed the sufferer by His mighty hand

Still our sicknesses and sorrows go at His command

He who gave His healing virtue to a woman's touch

To the faith that claims His fullness still will give as much.

Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

Glory to His Name! Glory to His Name!

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

4.     As of old He walked to Emmaus, with them to abide

So through all life's way He walketh ever near our side

Soon again we shall behold Him, Hasten Lord the day

But twill still be this same Jesus as He went away.

Yesterday, today, forever, Jesus is the same.

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

Glory to His Name! Glory to His Name!

All may change, but Jesus never! Glory to His Name!

The following two verses are believed to also have been written by Simpson even though they do not usually appear in hymn books.

*  He who pardoned erring Peter never needst thou fear,

He who came to faithless Thomas all thy doubt will clear;

He who let the loved disciple on His bosom rest

Bids thee still, with love as tender, lean upon His breast.

* He who 'mid the raging billows walked upon the sea

Still can hush our wildest tempest, as on Galilee;

He who wept and prayed in anguish in Gethsemane

Drinks with us each cup of trembling, in our agony.

You can listen to it here.  LISTEN