Never Will I Leave You (Part 4)

Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor

The following is adapted from a sermon by Dennis Johnson on Hebrews 13:5-14 that deals with change and I thought it would be appropriate for us to consider as we transition from Phil (who was with us for 28 years) to a new Lead Pastor. 

So far we've taken a look at incorrect ways to respond to change based on Hebrews.Today we'll take a look the correct way to respond to change: We should respond to change in the following way: Focus our thoughts and rest our hearts on Jesus, our ever-living, never-leaving leader. (You can read Part 1 here, Part 2 and Part 3 here.)


1. Jesus is an Ever-Living Leader.

Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8)

This statement from the author of Hebrews directly follows a reminder of the church's leaders who have left for various reasons. While they have left the congregation, Jesus has not!

Jesus is the same yesterday: When he created the universe, when he endured temptation, when he gave his life on the cross and rose again on the third day--He is the same. He was tempted in every way, yet was without sin--he knows what it's like to face change that is threatening! He is the Shepherd of the sheep (that would be us!) who shed his blood of the eternal covenant to make an "unbreakable bond" between us and the Father.

Jesus is the same today: He constantly intercedes for us! "He is able to save completely and forever those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (Hebrews 7:25) Our former pastor might still pray for us as he did when he was with us, but Jesus' prayers are deeper, more compassionate, wiser and more effective. Jesus preaches to us today! "Today if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts." (Hebrews 4:7) Through our leaders and pastors, Jesus speaks to us through His Word, calling us to persevere and promising the presence of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus is the same forever: He leads us into the future--the enduring city to come (Hebrews 13:14). The city of the Living God. He is the pioneer of our faith and has secured our victory (Hebrews 12:1-3). We have hope for the future because of his triumph. 

2. Jesus is a Never-Leaving Leader.

Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)

This is a promise that God has made to his people repeatedly in Scripture. Check out Genesis 28:15, Joshua 1:5 or Matthew 28:20. And Jesus' presence with us isn't just him holding our hand through our trials, it is POWERFUL. His presence gives us endurance, courage, and fearlessness.

The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. (Hebrews 13:6)

As followers of Jesus we can respond to change "not with fear, but with calm confidence that our Savior is an ever-present help" in uncertain times! 

(Next week, we'll conclude Part 5 with our last point from Hebrews: If our faith is firmly fixed in Jesus, we can grow when human leaders change.)