For we know that if the earthly house of our tent is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal, in the heavens. 2 Corinthians 5:1 WEB
Paul’s Second Epistle to the Corinthians displays spiritual strength, tender affection, and the passion of Paul in his affliction for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. The letter is composed about a year after his first letter to the church in Corinth and about a year before his famous letter to the Romans. In it , Paul defends his apostleship, declares his affection for the church, and gives instruction. The apostle opens the letter with a greeting indicating that he is with Timothy and closes the writing with a greeting that reveals his coming to the Corinthians for a third time.
Chapter four ends with Paul writing of the trouble he endures while contrasting the temporary human struggle with the eternal reward of heaven. He writes in 2 Corinthians 4:18, “while we don’t look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. WEB” These words place his suffering in proper context with his purpose in serving the kingdom of God.
Treasure in Clay Vessels
Prior to this, Paul describes his trials in greater detail. He writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7-10, “But we have this treasure in clay vessels, that the exceeding greatness of the power may be of God, and not from ourselves. We are pressed on every side, yet not crushed; perplexed, yet not to despair; pursued, yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; always carrying in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. WEB”
This scripture that begins chapter five continues Paul’s thoughts on the difficulty he experiences while spreading the good news of Jesus with the world. In poetic terms, Paul asserts his willingness to die in his efforts to share the truth of Jesus Christ. Speaking of his body as a tent or temporary structure, he directs the reader to the eternal body to come. Paul calls this a “building from God.”
In My Father’s House
Paul’s words about a building from God evoke remembrance of Jesus’ words concerning our heavenly home. Christ said in John 14:1-3, “Don’t let your heart be troubled. Believe in God. Believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many homes. If it weren’t so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be there also. WEB”
Paul’s encouraging words about a future in “a building from God” takes the focus from his pain in his temporary body and replaces it with the hopefulness of eternal life in heaven. His words demonstrate his faith in Christ, as well as his willingness to suffer for the kingdom. With the promise of the eternal reward of an incorruptible body to replace the temporary “tent” that is the earthly dwelling of our spirit, Paul’s words encourage endurance in pursuit of eternal rewards in heaven.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the inspired words of your faithful followers. Give me strength to endure the trials of this life. Guide my steps to my eternal reward through faith in your goodness. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Throne of God
