2 Corinthians 5
July 13, 2022
“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.” (v1-4)
Paul compares life in our fallen bodies (on this fallen earth) to living in a tent. A tent can suffice for a while, and even be marked by moments of real enjoyment. I’ve got some fun tent-camping memories! Eventually, though, the elements will take their toll on the tent and “destroy it” (v1). This is why we “groan” (v2) and are “burdened” (v3) in this life. We long for something more permanent, when our mortal tent-life will be upgraded to new life in a new body on a New Earth!
Father, I praise You for what You’ve done for me in Christ, and for what You’re preparing for me through Christ. Like Paul, I groan in this broken body I’m living in. But I also thank You for the moments of enjoyment You give to me in it. I resonate with Paul in feeling the burden of living in a fallen body on a fallen earth. And so I give You great praise for the glorious hope of Your coming Kingdom, when You will set everything that is wrong in this world to rights, including our broken bodies!
— Pastor Joshua Brooks
Use the following steps to guide your daily time with the Lord…
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Start with prayer. Ask God to open your heart to help you understand and receive His Word.
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Read and observe the passage carefully. As needed, read a second Bible version to help with understanding.
➡️ What does it say?
What does this passage teach me about God? What does it say about my sinful nature and my need for God’s grace? How does this passage point to Jesus?
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➡️ What am I going to do about it?
Does this passage include a promise to claim, an action/attitude to avoid/embrace, or a principle to apply? How can this truth apply to my life? What could my next step be? How can I share this with others? Is there a verse or section of Scripture I need to memorize?
