Today’s reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-6:2
My selection: 2 Corinthians 5:1-3
For we know that if the tent, which is our earthly home, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked.
My reflections: There are several important contrasts between our present life and the life that comes after death::
1. Temporary vs. permanent. Here we have an earthly home (a tent). There we will have a heavenly house (a building).
2. The destructibility of this body vs. the eternality of that body.
3. Groaning and nakedness here and now vs. clothing and not groaning (implied) then and there.
Often when a loved one dies we hear the comment, “well, he’s in a better place” or “she’s free from suffering now.” This is a firm hope that believers have. Christians are promised that they will enter into the Lord’s presence at death. Meanwhile, Paul’s example was to be engaged in the task of persuading others to be reconciled to God (vs. 11). Those who are not reconciled to God through Christ have no hope of approval before the judgment seat of Christ (vs. 10).
My challenge: Beware of giving false hope to unbelievers. All are not in a better place when they die. Be urgent in calling unbelievers to faith and repentance before it is too late. Be about the ministry of reconciliation. Also never stop longing to be fully clothed and in the Lord’s presence.
Tomorrow’s reading: 2 Corinthians 6:3-10:18
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