Our text for the day is worth giving deep thought to—
We are convinced that even if these bodies we live in are folded up at death like tents, we will still have a God-built home that no human hands have built, which will last forever in the heavenly realm. We inwardly sigh as we live in these physical “tents,” longing to put on a new body for our life in heaven, in the belief that once we put on our new “clothing” we won’t find ourselves “naked.” So, while living in this “tent,” we groan under its burden, not because we want to die but because we want these new bodies. We crave for all that is mortal to be swallowed up by eternal life. And this is no empty hope, for God himself is the one who has prepared us for this wonderful destiny. And to confirm this promise, he has given us the Holy Spirit, like an engagement ring, as a guarantee. That’s why we’re always full of courage. Even while we’re at home in the body, we’re homesick to be with the Master—for we live by faith, not by what we see with our eyes. We live with a joyful confidence, yet at the same time we take delight in the thought of leaving our bodies behind to be at home with the Lord. So whether we live or die we make it our life’s passion to live our lives pleasing to him. 2 Corinthians 5:1-9 (TPT)
The present real you lives in a foldable tent, with the assurance of a superior home made by the hands of the eternal God. In unfolding to us the dynamics of exchange of mortality for immortality as promised by the Lord in John 17:2-5, the believer’s appetite or passionate desire to attain the same is ignited, looking forward to this heavenly dream house!
When it comes to the house we want to live in, certain questions arise. First what is the price? Answer: more than you could ever afford! In order to redeem you and take you to heaven, God gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16). Nobody in heaven will ever say, look what Jesus and l accomplished. That would make you a co-redeemer with Christ. It would be an insult to the Cross. You’ve been guilty of a level of pride that would make it impossible for you to live there. Hymnist Horatius Bonar wrote, “Upon a life I have not lived, upon a death I did not die, another’s life, another’s death, l stake my whole eternity.”
The Bible speaks of labouring and working for God, but don’t get it mixed up. You don’t work to be saved; you work because you are saved. You don’t labour for your redemption; you labour for your reward. That is so God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of His grace and kindness towards us (Ephesians 2:7 (NLT).
While waiting for the exchange process, make it your passion to keep this present tabernacle clean of stains, pleasing Him who paid the price so we might be accepted of Him. Shalom.
Pastor Afolabi Oladele
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