Some Things Are Forever
1 Peter 1:23-25 NKJV
23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because
“All flesh is as grass,
And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass.
The grass withers,
And its flower falls away,
25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.”
Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you.
Few things in this life are forever. Death and taxes come to mind, but we live in a temporary world where things just don’t last. Our world is subject to corruption, death, and decay. This is not a negative devotional, just a fact. We know our bodies don’t stay the same; the outward man perishes. Ah, but when it comes to spiritual things, we encounter a different realm. Peter spoke of the strength and stability of God’s Word in a changing world.
And we are connected to this word that Peter calls the incorruptible seed. Incorruptible means not subject to corruption, death, and decay. Natural seeds are corruptible. What comes from natural seeds is subject to corruption. Our bodies are the product of natural seeds. But the inner man, the spirit of man that was born again, not from seed that could perish but from the word of God that lives forever.
Peter then quotes Scripture to contrast what is born of the seed of man versus what is born of God. Man’s flesh is temporary; if you are over forty, this reality is clear. If not, just wait a bit. Again, not trying to be negative, but all flesh is temporary like grass. The glory of man is like the flower of grass, temporary and subject to change. No one stays beautiful forever. No one stays on top forever. The business leaders of the 50’s are no longer around. The movie stars and starlets of the 60’s no longer have leading roles. The glory of man fades away.
But our spirits were born from seed that does not perish. And in a few thousand years, we’ll still be fresh and flourishing because we were born again from this nonperishable seed. God’s Word lives and endures forever. It will not fade, rust, or rot away; it’s a forever word. And this is the word we preach. Not the opinions and determinations of man and science. We’ve seen how often that is changed and amended. God’s Word does not change and doesn’t have to have add-ons to adapt to culture. Forever is forever. Culture changes with the wind.
So take heart. The most important part of you is eternal, born again of seed that is everlasting. Forever is still enduring when the earth and sun have changed, and eons of time have passed. Our minds may not be able to fully grasp the concept of forever, but our hearts can surely resonate with that truth.
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Thank You, Lord, for Your truth and Your Word that endures forever. Everything I can see around me will change, but You and Your Word never will!