Timeless (Friday Devotional)

 

Since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.” And this word is the good news that was preached to you.

- 1 Peter 1:23-25

R.C. Buckner, the famed Baptist minister and founder of Buckner Children’s Home, probably officiated more weddings than he could count in his decades of ministry. But there was surely one that stood out in his memory—one which, in a manner of speaking, really stood the test of time.

That wedding was special because of its unique timetable. At the request of the bride and groom, the vows were read beginning at 11:59 PM on December 31, 1899 and weren’t concluded until after the clock struck midnight. In other words, their wedding started in the 19th century and ended in the 20th century. Talk about timeless!

Chronological trickery aside, there aren’t many things in this life that last for centuries. There’s a reason people travel from thousands of miles away to see things like the Parthenon or the Egyptian pyramids—something that perseveres that long is a rare wonder.

The Bible reminds us that the gospel is just such a wonder, good news which not only has endured for thousands of years, but will remain forever. Even as the world around us changes at lightning speed, God’s word persists, bringing hope to generation after generation. Everything around it may crumble, but the gospel isn’t going anywhere.

Words which have converted nonbelievers, encouraged Christians, and spoken truth to all for two millennia are just as relevant today as they ever were. So be sure to spend some time in God’s Word today, for in a unique way, it has stood—and will continue to stand—the test of time.