Carol Swenson
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CHANGE (Difference, Improvement, Movement)
Can people change?
BIBLE READING: Genesis 44:1-34
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Now then, please let your servant remain here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy, and let the boy return with his brothers. (Genesis 44:33, NIV)
God can help people change. When Judah was younger, he showed no regard for his brother Joseph or his father, Jacob. First he convinced his brothers to sell Joseph as a slave (Genesis 37:27); then he joined his brothers in lying to his father about Joseph’s fate (Genesis 37:32). But what a change had taken place in Judah! The man who sold one favored younger brother into slavery now offered to become a slave himself to save another favored brother. He was so concerned for his father and younger brother that he was willing to die for them. When you are ready to give up hope on yourself or others, remember that God can work a complete change in even the most selfish personality.
BIBLE READING: Joshua 11:16-23
KEY BIBLE VERSE: It took seven years of war to accomplish all of this. (Joshua 11:18, TLB)
Change doesn’t usually happen quickly. The conquest of much of the land of Canaan seems to have happened quickly (we can read about it in one sitting), but it actually took seven years. We often expect quick changes in our life and quick victories over sin. But our journey with God is a lifelong process, and the changes and victories may take time. It is easy to grow impatient with God and feel like giving up hope because things are moving too slowly. When we are close to a situation, it is difficult to see progress. But when we look back we can see that God never stopped working.
BIBLE READING: Numbers 10:11-36
KEY BIBLE VERSE: [The Israelites] set out, this first time, at the Lord’s command through Moses. (Numbers 10:13, NIV)
God helps us handle change. Those who travel, move, or face new challenges know what it is to be uprooted. Life is full of changes, and few things remain stable. The Israelites were constantly moving through the desert. They were able to handle change only because God’s presence in the tabernacle was always with them. The portable tabernacle signified God and his people moving together. For us, stability does not mean lack of change, but moving with God in every circumstance.
BIBLE READING: John 4:27-42
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Many from the Samaritan village believed [Jesus] was the Messiah because of the woman’s report: “He told me everything I ever did!” (John 4:39, TLB)
God can change the worst in us. The Samaritan woman immediately shared her experience with others. Despite her reputation, many took her invitation and came out to meet Jesus. Perhaps there are sins in our past of which we’re ashamed. But Christ changes us. Often, those things for which we are most ashamed become the very changed areas that catch other people’s attention. As people see these changes, they become curious. We can use these opportunities to introduce them to Christ.
How do people change?
BIBLE READING: Matthew 15:1-20
KEY BIBLE VERSE: From the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft, lying and slander. (Matthew 15:19, TLB)
God desires to change people on the inside. We work hard to keep our outward appearance attractive, but what is in our heart is even more important. The way we are deep down (where others can’t see) matters much to God. What are you like inside? When people become Christians, God makes them different on the inside. He will continue the process of change inside them if they only ask. God wants us to seek healthy thoughts and motives, not just healthy food and good exercise.
BIBLE READING: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (2 Corinthians 5:17, NIV)
God’s changes are complete. Christians are brand-new people on the inside. The Holy Spirit gives them new life, and they are not the same anymore. We are not reformed, rehabilitated, or reeducated—we are recreated (new creations), living in vital union with Christ (Colossians 2:6-7). At conversion we are not merely turning over a new leaf; we are beginning a new life under a new Master.
BIBLE READING: Matthew 3:1-12
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Before being baptized, prove that you have turned from sin by doing worthy deeds. (Matthew 3:8, TLB)
Inward changes should lead to outward changes. John the Baptist called people to more than a mere assent to words or performance of ritual; he told them to change their behavior. God looks beyond our words and religious activities to see if our conduct backs up what we say, and he judges our words by the actions that accompany them. Do your actions match your words?
Just as a fruit tree is expected to bear fruit, God’s people should produce a crop of good deeds. God has no use for people who call themselves Christians but do nothing about it. Like many people in John’s day who were God’s people in name only, we are of no value if we are Christians in name only. If others can’t see our faith in the way we treat them, we may not be God’s people at all.
BIBLE READING: Luke 7:18-35
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Wisdom is proved right by all her children. (Luke 7:35, NIV)
People are open to change when they stop rationalizing. Wisdom’s children were the followers of Jesus and John. These followers lived changed lives. Their righteous living demonstrated the wisdom that Jesus and John taught.
The Pharisees, on the other hand, were good at rationalizing their inconsistencies. This helped them keep up a good appearance, but it also kept them from changing where change was needed. If we excuse our wrong actions or inconsistent attitudes, we will strengthen them. If we face up to our inconsistencies, then we will grow in wisdom. Jesus was saying that if the Pharisees were really wise, the people would be able to see it by their consistent behavior.
BIBLE READING: John 8:1-11
KEY BIBLE VERSE: Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” (John 8:10-11, NIV)
The starting point for change is repentance. When Jesus said that only someone who had not sinned should throw the first stone, the leaders slipped quietly away, from oldest to youngest. Evidently the older men were more aware of their sins than the younger. Age and experience often temper youthful self-righteousness. But whatever your age, take an honest look at your life. Recognize your sinful nature, and look for ways to help others rather than hurt them.
Jesus didn’t condemn the woman accused of adultery, but neither did he ignore or condone her sin. He told her to leave her life of sin. Jesus stands ready to forgive any sin in your life, but confession and repentance mean a change of heart. With God’s help we can accept Christ’s forgiveness and stop our wrongdoing.
(The Handbook of Bible Application)
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