2 Corinthians 5:1
Our Heavenly Dwelling
For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Have you ever camped in a tent? When I was a boy, my parents decided we were going camping. The first time out, they borrowed a tent and headed into the mountains of southern California. The tent that they borrowed was common for the day. It wasn’t like today’s tents made of lightweight and waterproof materials, and outfitted with screens and easy to use zippers. The tent we used was made of canvas, had no windows, no screens, no floor and only had a tent flap that fastened ties. It was what today people would call an outfitters tent.
I have no bad memory of that first outing. But, my mother shared her memory. She said that we were instantly filthy. So, it wasn’t long until my parents upgraded their camping gear. They bought a 1961 Shasta Airflyte camper. That camper went on to become a classic! It followed our family around for decades and was used for camping, moving, and guest accommodations.
More wonderful than a beautiful home to an outfitters tent is the the eternal dwelling that God has prepared for us at the resurrection as compared to our earthy existence. Our mortal bodies, troubled by sin, are often miserable. But our Lord Jesus has had mercy on us and come to save us. He suffered with us in this creation and He died for us on the cross. Through faith in Him we have forgiveness and the certainty of sharing His resurrection and eternal life. This is our eternal dwelling place and comfort in all earthly losses.
Let us pray
I thank you Lord Jesus for dwelling in a mortal body, and bearing my sins upon the cross. I praise you for your forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Help me in the midst of trials of this life to remember my future with you and find comfort in the eternal home that awaits me. Help all those who are struggling with sickness, sorrow, depression or anxiety this day. Allow them faith to turn to you and receive the eternal home, peace, and comfort, that only you can provide. In your name I pray, AMEN.
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.