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"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. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please Him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:1-10 ESV)
"For in this tent we groan"—I can relate. Maybe you can, too. Try as we might to stave off the effects of aging, aches and pains visit us out of nowhere. What once were easy, no-brainer movements, now take some planning—lest we repeat yesterday's painful jolt from twisting the wrong way. These unwelcome guests are sudden reminders that we are—sometimes to our total surprise—mere mortals, after all.
But Scripture points to a day when it will not always be this way.
The Bible tells us that one day what is mortal—decaying, passing away a little more each hour—will be "swallowed up by life." This is what it means to be redeemed—not just from our frail bodies that are showing some signs of "wear and tear," but from the crippling weight of our sins. Jesus has made this so. "In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace" (Ephesians 1:7 ESV).
So, we can be of good courage, right now. Though we groan in the present, we press on by God's grace. Though we feel burdened down with these bodies, our confidence is in God. The apostle Paul writes, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20 ESV).
By faith in Jesus our Savior, God the Father has given us new life—now and for eternity. "He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee."
Prayer: Heavenly Father, refresh our hearts and renew us by Your Holy Spirit to live each day for You. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
This Daily Devotion was written by Paul Schreiber.
Reprinted with permission from Lutheran Hour Ministries.
Reflection Questions:
1. What was something you first noticed about yourself that had to do with aging? (It's up to you to share if you like.)
2. What do you think it means that what is mortal will be "swallowed up by life"?
3. How do you stay encouraged in your faith even though life's realities may be tough to bear?
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