What Changes, What Does Not

“David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to his people, and he dwells in Jerusalem forever. And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.’ For by the last words of David the sons of Levi were numbered… For their duty was to assist the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, having the care of the courts and the chambers, the cleansing of all that is holy, and any work for the service of the house of God. Their duty was also to assist with the showbread, the flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baked offering, the offering mixed with oil, and all measures of quantity or size. And they were to stand every morning, thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening, and whenever burnt offerings were offered to the Lord on Sabbaths, new moons, and feast days, according to the number required of them, regularly before the Lord. Thus they were to keep charge of the tent of meeting and the sanctuary, and to attend the sons of Aaron, their brothers, for the service of the house of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 23:25-32

Under David, Jerusalem was established as Israel’s capital for worship. The job description for the Levites, God’s anointed for all care relating to the movable tabernacle, was forever changed. When Solomon would build the temple as the permanent place of worship, roaming priests would become regular fixtures, leading twice a day in thanksgiving and praise. David knew the worship of God was of the utmost importance, and must not be altered. Its location would change, but its primacy would not.

As we age, as we move, as we transition into new seasons, as arrangements and requirements for certain work and service change, we are confronted with the need to adjust ourselves. We might have new assignments, or no assignment at all. We may answer to a new supervisor, or suddenly become our own. What we once had energy and zeal to do, we may no longer enjoy or be able to perform. When all around us shifts and alters, what does not, and what must we let not?

God Himself never changes. Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and His love for us will never fail. As His children, we are secure forever, our inheritance guaranteed, sure, and unchangeable. These truths will never change, and give us assurance in our worlds of flux and unknowns. (Psalm 136:1-3; Jeremiah 31:3; Malachi 3:6; Ephesians 1:11-14; Hebrews 13:8)

Our need to worship never changes. We were made for it. God’s worthiness of our full adoration, affection, attention, and trust does not shift like changing shadows. Though circumstances, responsibilities, roles, and our sense of place may change, our spiritual purpose to glorify the immutable God does not. Are we fixed, and our souls stilled, on this glorious calling? (Isaiah 26:3; 43:7; James 1:17; Revelation 4:11)

“Be still, my soul: the Lord is on your side;
bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
leave to your God to order and provide;
in ev’ry change he faithful will remain…

Be still, my soul: your God will undertake
to guide the future as he has the past.” ~Kathrina Von Shlegel (1865)

Lord, let me never be shaken by changes around me, but be fixed on You and determined to exalt Your name at all times.