December 2

The same yesterday, today, and for ever

Ellen G. White

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever." — Hebrews 13:8 · KJV

Nothing can harm those who love and follow Christ. He will be with them in every place. They may be put to death, but He will give them a life that will never end, and a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

And from them others will learn about the dear Saviour. Christ said to His disciples:

“Ye are the light of the world.” Matthew 5:14. Jesus was soon going away from the world to His heavenly home. But the disciples were to teach the people of His love. They were to be as lights among men.

The lamp in the lighthouse, shining out in the darkness, guides the ship safely to the harbor; thus Christ's followers are to shine in this dark world, to guide men to Christ and the heavenly home.

This is what all the followers of Christ are to do. He calls them to work with Him in saving others.

Such lessons were strange and new to Christ's hearers, and He repeated them many times. At one time a lawyer came to Him with the question: “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Jesus said unto him, “What is written in the law? how readest thou?

“And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbor as thyself.

“Thou hast answered right,” said Christ; “this do and thou shalt live.” The lawyer had not done this. He knew that he had not loved others as himself. Instead of repenting, he tried to find an excuse for his selfishness. So he asked Jesus: “Who is my neighbor?” Luke 10:25-29.