No doubt you’ve seen any number of end-of-year and new year posts and memes on social media. One that struck me as particularly humorous went something like before I accept the year 2021, I need to examine its terms and conditions.

If only.

As we begin the year, I encourage everyone to do (as I often say) at least two things. First, let’s thank God for His incredible grace and mercy that has allowed us (if nothing else) to write, read and consider this post. God’s unfailing and unmerited mercy was at the very foundation of the relationship He established with His people (Lamentations 3:22-23).

Second, let’s remember that we don’t know what awaits in 2021. No one could have anticipated all that transpired last year. Change came from every direction and impacted seemingly everything. Change and 2020 seemed synonymous. It’s in this space that the words from the Letter to the Hebrews shine brightly. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever! (Hebrews 13:8)

The prophet Malachi wraps this up neatly in one verse when he reminds us that God’s mercy is inextricably linked to His immutability (Malachi 3:6). What an incredible combination! Mercy and immutability. It can’t (literally) get better than this!

Happy New Year!

Categories: Acts17seventeen

Pastor Mark

A p-k (preacher’s kid), Mark is the eighth of nine children born to Reuben and Henrietta Meeks, prolific planters of nearly 30 churches throughout the Central Valley of California. After four decades of teaching, discipling, and ministering, including to the hospitalized and imprisoned, Mark responded to God’s call to pastoral ministry. In addition to degrees in civil engineering and public administration, Mark received his Masters in Theology from Fuller Seminary.