An Eternal Body
2 Corinthians 5:1-5 (NLT)
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
Reflection
I just got home from yet another medical appointment. Another diagnosis. A new medication. More physical therapy. Yay me! Actually, I count myself as blessed because, for the most part, my body is still in decent working order. I know people whose bodies are truly failing them, and some who from birth, have never known the feeling of a healthy body. For many people, including me, this scripture passage brings with it tremendous joy, hope, and triumph!
Paul’s message is a much-needed reminder that someday when we meet our Savior, we will have new bodies to replace our earthly, failing ones. I feel overwhelmed trying to grasp that concept. Will I be given swift feet that will allow me to run into Jesus’ waiting arms? Will my new knees allow me to fall before Him in worship and reverence? Will my lungs be strong and capable so I can shout and sing for joy before Him?
What God has promised and prepared for us is more than my earthly mind can fully grasp and understand. Yet through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can begin to see the eternal perspective of just what our Savior has in store for us. God promised, Jesus fulfilled, and the Holy Spirit guarantees that someday, if we keep our eyes on the Lord, our dying bodies will be swallowed up by life (verse 4). An eternal, glorious life that we can’t fully comprehend right now, but is so worth the wait and struggle!
Action Steps
1. Sit quietly for a few minutes and think about what your heavenly body will be like. Let your imagination flow freely as you consider all the possibilities. Then pray and thank God because everything you imagined could be your reality when that glorious day comes.
2. Do you have someone in your life who struggles with physical health issues? Spend time praying for them. Center your prayer around asking God to give them faith, assurances, and trust that in due time, their afflictions will be gone and they will be clothed in a new and glorious body.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for You and for what You are doing in my life. Thank You for providing the Holy Spirit, who is a daily reminder of what You have in store for me. You are an awesome God, and I am so thankful that You have prepared a place for me and will be there every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
For we know that when this earthly tent we live in is taken down (that is, when we die and leave this earthly body), we will have a house in heaven, an eternal body made for us by God himself and not by human hands. We grow weary in our present bodies, and we long to put on our heavenly bodies like new clothing. For we will put on heavenly bodies; we will not be spirits without bodies. While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life. God himself has prepared us for this, and as a guarantee he has given us his Holy Spirit.
Reflection
I just got home from yet another medical appointment. Another diagnosis. A new medication. More physical therapy. Yay me! Actually, I count myself as blessed because, for the most part, my body is still in decent working order. I know people whose bodies are truly failing them, and some who from birth, have never known the feeling of a healthy body. For many people, including me, this scripture passage brings with it tremendous joy, hope, and triumph!
Paul’s message is a much-needed reminder that someday when we meet our Savior, we will have new bodies to replace our earthly, failing ones. I feel overwhelmed trying to grasp that concept. Will I be given swift feet that will allow me to run into Jesus’ waiting arms? Will my new knees allow me to fall before Him in worship and reverence? Will my lungs be strong and capable so I can shout and sing for joy before Him?
What God has promised and prepared for us is more than my earthly mind can fully grasp and understand. Yet through the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives, we can begin to see the eternal perspective of just what our Savior has in store for us. God promised, Jesus fulfilled, and the Holy Spirit guarantees that someday, if we keep our eyes on the Lord, our dying bodies will be swallowed up by life (verse 4). An eternal, glorious life that we can’t fully comprehend right now, but is so worth the wait and struggle!
Action Steps
1. Sit quietly for a few minutes and think about what your heavenly body will be like. Let your imagination flow freely as you consider all the possibilities. Then pray and thank God because everything you imagined could be your reality when that glorious day comes.
2. Do you have someone in your life who struggles with physical health issues? Spend time praying for them. Center your prayer around asking God to give them faith, assurances, and trust that in due time, their afflictions will be gone and they will be clothed in a new and glorious body.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I am so grateful for You and for what You are doing in my life. Thank You for providing the Holy Spirit, who is a daily reminder of what You have in store for me. You are an awesome God, and I am so thankful that You have prepared a place for me and will be there every step of the way. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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