Message summary: Let us stand firm in our faith today as we live with eternity in view!

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"Now 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" (2 Corinthians 5:1).

Some time ago my friend's father passed away and several days later I attended his funeral where he introduced me to several of his brothers. Later one of his brother's emailed me the following message that clearly illustrates the wonderful assurance we can have when we "lose" a loved one who is a believer:

In 2 Corinthians chapters 4 and 5 the Apostle Paul, inspired by the Holy Spirit, shares some incredible insights regarding the perspective we should have as we live out our life on this earth. Apart from a few select people throughout history (Enoch and Elijah) all have experienced the destruction of the earthly tent we live in. We call that death. According to Scripture there will also be a group of believers still alive at the return of Christ who will experience a transition without death (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18).

"Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed." Paul uses the phrase "earthly tent" to describe the temporary nature of our present dwelling. A commentary makes this observation: "The figure of a tent picturing the human body suggests impermanence and insecurity and is a common picture of earthly life and its setting in the body."* Our death is that transitional event that takes place when our earthly tent is destroyed.

"We have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands." What a wonderful description of our future home! Note the contrast between "earthly tent" and "eternal house". This eternal house is a building from God, located in heaven, and not built by human hands. It can't be reckoned with in our minds or fully envisioned on this side of eternity, for we are still clothed with perishable bodies that are nearsighted in our scope of understanding.

Today may this message encourage those who have "lost a loved one". In Biblical reality they are not really lost but rather promoted to a place prepared by Jesus Himself and untainted by sin, but beyond our human viewing.

May it also encourage those dealing with ongoing physical affliction or situations that seem so hopelessly broken. May we all remember this as we see the continuing groaning of the whole creation right up to the present time (see Romans 8:22).

This concept is transformational. When we think and live with eternity's values in view we seek to make our life count for what God is concerned about. Seeing with eyes, not fixed on the temporary, but fixed on the eternal, as Scripture puts it, enables us to endure suffering, fulfill our calling and leave an eternal legacy. (Matt Brown)

Perhaps some of our readers know this old but timeless hymn:

"With eternity's values in view, Lord
With eternity's values in view
May I do each day's work for Jesus?
With eternity's values in view."

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13


Stephen & Brooksyne Weber