As I was out for a run the other day in my favorite running shorts, the sad realization hit me: these shorts had seen their glory days. It was time to retire them. I’m actually somewhat surprised they lasted as long as they did—several years, and miles and miles of trail and track.
But as I was dodging mud puddles and tree roots, accompanied by the realization that these shorts were on their last run (moment of silence for the shorts), the Scripture came to mind that tells us the things we see will grow old like a garment, but God continues forever.
My mental paraphrase was a bit off. The actual verses I was thinking of are in Hebrews 1:10-12: “…You, Lord, did lay the foundation of the earth in the beginning, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. They will perish, but You remain and continue permanently; they will all grow old and wear out like a garment. Like a mantle [thrown about one’s self] You will roll them up, and they will be changed and replaced by others. But You remain the same, and Your years will never end nor come to failure.”
The word translated “remain” in verse 11 is diameno, which means “to stay constantly (in being or relation)”. And the word translated “same” in verse 12 is autos, which is the reflexive pronoun (self).
How does God reveal Himself in Scripture? When Moses asked God what His name is, God replied “I AM” (Exodus 3:13-14).
The word translated “am” is hayah, which means “to exist”, such as “be or become, come to pass.” It’s also used in Scripture to mean “to abide, remain, continue.”
In telling Moses His name, God declared His very existence, and His existence speaks of constancy and endurance – of “remaining.”
In the realm of eternity, my shorts are inconsequential. They’ve had a good run (pun intended), and now they’re beginning to wear out. Scripture says not only our garments but even heaven and earth will pass away. The things we see that are so real to us—they will “grow old like a garment” and perish. But God remains.
That’s why Scripture tells us to “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18).
Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus.
Great piece, Gina!
Amen! Your post reminded me of Matthew 6: 19-21: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Thank you, Gina, for another inspiring post!