Sealed, but Will it Survive?

Read: 1 Peter 1:3-5

Some of my favorite Christian fiction books tell the stories of characters from two or three different worlds. The lives of more than one generation are detailed and often we learn while reading the accounts, that the past truly effects the present. The authors generally accomplish this intertwining through the discoveries of old diaries. The entries are read by a character in the present in order to understand something that heretofore made no sense. I love the unfolding of a good story and the enjoyment of coming to understand some of the mysteries that are part of the present as past stories are unearthed. Sometimes this same thing is accomplished by an author through the discovery and looking into, the treasures that are contained within a hope chest. Through the discovery of beautiful items and notes, we are propelled into the secrets of

a generation who lived many years ago. We come to know people through what they valued, and why they valued it.

Maybe that's why when I heard that a Time Capsule was buried on July 4, I wondered what it contained and how it could survive intact until its scheduled unearthing on July 4, 2276. The date of America's 500Th birthday. The largest hurdle appears to have been how to ensure that the contents of the capsule wouldn't become degraded by water or other environmental factors during such a long period of time. To solve this dilemma, a 3x2 cylinder made of stainless steel was constructed. It is surrounded by a 1,100-pound stainless steel bell jar. Since stainless steel is relatively new, it has not yet been tested for 250 years concerning its ability to last, but it might survive. What to put into the capsule?

One thing made me smile. Something that marks the time we live in and pretty much no one would disagree. An iPhone 17 Pro Max. Surely, the lives of oh so many people have been altered by this object. Whether the lithium battery will still function after 250 years has passed is unknown

Among the other interesting items that were sealed in the capsule are:

1. Fabric from the Wright Brothers 1903 aircraft contributed by Ohio.

2. A feather from Old Abe, Wisconsin's bald eagle Civil War mascot.

3. A Pocket Constitution that was signed by members of the U.S. Supreme Court.

These articles and so many more! They have been so carefully sealed inside the capsule, but will they survive? The answer is, of course, not yet known.

We do know the answer to a far more important question than the one posed by the buried Time Capsule. What about people? What about our lives and the things we have done whether large or small? How can we be certain that what we do each day matters? If there were a Time Capsule opened that chronicled each of our lives, would it contain anything worthwhile? Thankfully, the Bible answers those questions and so many others.

First, people. Do we matter? The rich and famous and the down trodden? We don't have to go any farther than the first chapter of Genesis to discover that amazing answer. We matter. Some people have plaques to remind those who see them that they have contributed money so that a wing or an entire building can exist. Noteworthy, but there is something greater. We, each person, brilliant or barely getting by, is made in God's image, Genesis 1:26-27. Whether a band plays as we enter a room or no one turns his head at our appearance, we all have value because of the One Who fashioned us in the womb, Psalm 139:13-16.

My brother belonged to a school singing group when he was in junior high. It was called "The Originals". What a good name! We are truly each God's originals. Unique because no one just like us has ever or will ever exist. Yet, we are each made in God's image. We will, each one of us, live forever. That means whether or not we are lauded here on earth or not, there is One Who keeps the records concerning our lives. God does not need to open a hidden Time Capsule to remember us. Matthew 10:42 says that He notices and rewards even the smallest act done for His honor.

In 1 Peter 3:3-5, we read remarkable words. We are kept by God. His attention is over our lives. No, there are lots of things we can't put together. We don't have a special diary we can read that will explain God's ways; however, we have the assurance that the One Who knows us is sustaining and holding us up, and He will finish the work He has begun in us, Isaiah 41:10-13; Philippians 1:6. When we receive Jesus' gift, we become His sons and daughters, John 1:11-12. We are sealed by His Spirit and kept by His power, Ephesians 1:13-14.

There is another reminder in 1 Peter 3-5. God is keeping our heavenly treasures safe, Matthew 6:19-21. Unlike man's best efforts regarding the Time Capsule, nothing God is keeping for us is uncertain. Nothing will cause the treasures God has in His care to fade into dust or become useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 also reminds us of this truth. Although earthly ventures and treasures are sweet, and God has given them to us to enjoy,

1 Timothy 6:17, they will all vanish. Contrast that with even the most seemingly insignificant thing done on behalf of the Lord. It won't go unnoticed by God, Hebrews 6:10; Matthew 10:42.

Let's end with one last reminder concerning how God listens with joy when His people speak to one another about Him. Malachi 3:16-18 is a reminder of God's delight in His sealed ones and how He takes note of our words that demonstrate that we honor and appreciate Him. He takes note of our love. As imperfect as it is.

Such beautiful truth. It is for each one who belongs to Jesus, but these wonderful reminders can also be true for those who haven't yet trusted Jesus as Savior and Lord. He does not desire that anyone would die without Him, but rather that everyone will be saved, 2 Peter 3:9. It is only through the Savior's unmerited favor that we can call Him Father. There is no other Name but Messiah Jesus' through which we can be sealed and survive, John 14:6; Acts 4:12. Please run to Him today.