For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven, inasmuch as we, having put it on, will not be found naked.
For indeed while we are in this tent, we groan, being burdened, because we do not want to be unclothed but to be clothed, so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.
Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. 2 Corinthians 5:1-5
As believers and followers of Jesus Christ, we look forward to the new body we will occupy in the eternal state (heaven). One day we will be ‘trading spaces’. In some ways our current body and spirit long for it. And, by the way, we have God’s Spirit within in as a pledge, deposit or down payment on that reality to come. What’s interesting to me is the implication of this reality. The apostle Paul says ‘therefore’ several times. In response to this great truth I am to …
1) be Courageous, as I walk by faith v6
2) be Pleasing to Him, we will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ v9
3) Manifest before God, transparent and visible to Him v11
4) See others through Christ’s eyes, not according to the flesh v16 – 17
5) be Ambassadors, reaching out to others and begging them to be reconciled to Christ v20
Which of these areas can I grow in today?
God, as this day of rest, errands and worship begins, I want to dedicate the entire day to this idea. Knowing that one day I will leave this body and this earth, help me be courageous and walk by faith, please You, see as you see, and to reach out and invite someone into Your great kingdom.
