Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3-5
In 1795 the governor of Massachusetts, Samuel Adams and Revolutionary War hero Patrick Henry placed a time capsule in the cornerstone of the Massachusetts State House which was under construction in Boston. It is believed to be the oldest known time capsule in America. It has been opened twice, first in 1855 when the contents were cleaned and documented and then again in 2015. The original items put in the capsule include newspapers, coins, a silver plate that was most likely engraved by Paul Revere, and a George Washington medallion made of copper. After being on display, the items were returned to the case along with new coins, and the capsule was sealed again and returned to its original location to be kept secure for future generations.
The idea of keeping significant or valuable items for the future to enjoy has been around for a very long time. God instructed the Israelites to set up memorials so that future generations would be reminded of what He had done. “And he spake unto the children of Israel, saying, When your children shall ask their fathers in time to come, saying, What mean these stones? Then ye shall let your children know, saying, Israel came over this Jordan on dry land” (Joshua 4:21-22).Â
Of course, any human memorial or preservation can only be temporary. But as children of God we have His promise that we will be kept and preserved and safe until we see Him in Heaven. We have been given the Holy Spirit as a downpayment on that promise. “Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 5:5).
