Signed, Sealed, Delivered

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14, NIV

ONE OF MY favorite wedding gifts was a gorgeous, shimmery-green wax candle, coupled with a golden S wax seal. Opening this vintage vanilla-colored box, I sensed a nod to fairy-tale days. What a wildly romantic idea to return to handwritten letters—dripping hot wax on the envelopes and sealing them with the initial of our last name.

Of course, I’ve only used it once in eighteen years.

I have many good intentions, but life. It doesn’t mean I love the idea any less, however. Every time I come across Ephesians 1:13-14, I cannot help but think of God choosing a golden wax seal with a swirly heavenly emblem on it and using it for us. It’s as if the very moment we believe Jesus is our Rescuer, we find ourselves in the presence of the King. And from there it all becomes a glorious whirlwind. The Holy Spirit is placed inside of us like golden wax upon our soul. We are no longer a slave to sin; we are free. We are not enemies of God; we are His friends. We are new creations. The old has passed, the new has come, and the King has positioned His royal seal upon our heart. Everything that is His will be ours when the time of our inheritance comes.

I draw upon this visual every time something or someone tries to threaten my identity and security and tell me that I am not enough. Or that I should be better at something by now. Or that pieces of my story are shameful. Or that I am shameful.

I can look that nagging feeling or lingering lie in the face and say nope. I can stand in front of others who try to control me or my feelings and say not today. I can turn to God’s Word and be reminded that I am loved and accepted. I am signed, sealed, delivered. I am His. And my Savior, Jesus, took all my sin and shame on the cross for me. It’s not my shame anymore. I am not those things that threaten my well-being. My soul is sealed with the emblem of the King by the Spirit of Truth. And no one can tell me otherwise.

GRACE REFLECTION: Imagine a lovely seal over your heart that signifies peace with God and your permanent daughtership. What assurance does this bring you? Take heart, you are His. And His grace looks amazing on you.