The Source of Change

Here at UGM, we talk a lot about the reverberations that go out from one changed life. A mother who becomes the parent her children need affects their lives and who they will become. A cycle is broken, and future generations are no longer doomed to live under the curse of self-destructive behaviors.

A dad who abandoned his children returns and demonstrates repentance, humility and change. He provides for them and demonstrates the love of God, so that they might better know their heavenly Father.

Employees and managers who care about doing a good job impact the work environment and that spreads to customers.

Sons and daughters who forgive and ask for forgiveness often bring about family restoration.

Friends speak truth and love, bear each other’s burdens, hold each other accountable and create a safe space for ongoing recovery.

There is no telling how far the ripple effect from one changed life will travel.

But where did it all begin?

If we could trace all the ripples back to their source, we would ultimately make our way to the Babe in the manger.

Here’s how H.G. Wells, a non-believer, describes Jesus:

“I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history.”

And from the great theologian, John Calvin:

“Every good thing we could think or desire is to be found in this same Jesus Christ alone…by whom the poor are made rich, the weak strong, the fools wise, the sinner justified, the desolate comforted, the doubting sure, and slaves free.”

Jesus is the revelation of who God is. God with us. He came to preach good news to the poor, to bind up the brokenhearted, to set the captives free and to comfort those who mourn (Isaiah 61). And to all who receive Him, to all who believe in His name, He gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12).

He changes us all. And the reverberations are endless.