BY Janice Gentles-Jones
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. (2 Corinthians 5:1)
In the midst of suffering, Paul reminds us of where our hope lies. He knew all too well about suffering and afflictions, yet he offers us hope and courage in 2 Corinthians 5:1. Paul, who was by trade a tentmaker, knew about making temporary shelter with his hands.
He uses the tent figuratively which represents our earthly body. Paul reminds us that “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“.
There are three truths to notice in this verse:• While our earthly tent (our bodies) can be torn down,• We have a building from God, not made with hands,• A building that is eternal in the heavens.
So, while we know our outer body is decaying (2 Corinthians 4:16), we can place our hope in the eternal and not the temporal (2 Corinthians 4:18). We do not have to be afraid in our sufferings and afflictions, we can have courage to endure because no matter what happens to our earthly bodies, we are given the hope of a new body that is eternal. May this bring you peace today knowing that our faithful God, the creator, is preparing a new home for you.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your mercy and gift of hope, knowing that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from You, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.