Durable and Everlasting

During the week of Thanksgiving, I saw what amounts to hours of commercials telling me about Black Friday deals and how early stores would be open. Televisions, washers, dryers, cars, etc. would be marked down in order to give the consumer the best value possible. Next week, we will start to see financial reports telling of how the Black Friday sales boosted our economy. During that same week, Cyber Monday launches and the online retailers will begin their push.

Of the many reports we will see, there is one that strikes me as very interesting, the Durable Goods Orders. This number tells us how our manufacturers are doing and if people are buying big ticket items like appliances, home and office furnishings, lawn and garden equipment, consumer electronics, toys, small tools, sporting goods, photographic equipment, jewelry, motor vehicles and motor vehicle parts and more. These items tend to last for three years or more. That is the definition of a durable good according to the government.

Although each is durable, each also will break down, wear out or we just do not like it anymore. Once a product gets to that point, we buy another one. Each item has a set period of time for it to be useful. Each will in time, break down, wear out or just become obsolete.

Jesus, while talking with his disciples, told them about the future and how things will change. During this change, there is one thing that remains durable and does not break down, wear out or become obsolete. It is his words. Jesus' words and teachings have endured for centuries. Nations and people have come and gone, but his words remain and just as relevant as they were when they were first spoken.

When you buy a new product, think about its durability and then consider the durability of Jesus' words and teachings. Truly the most durable and everlasting.

Heaven and earth will disappear, but my words will never disappear. Matthew 24:35 (NLT)