"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. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling" (v. 1-2)Here it is again, eternal focus. Reading the first section of this chapter, I thought about if I'm really ready to go. There's two sides at battle within me - I look forward to the day when I'll be called to my eternal house, trade in this old body for an immortal one (Phil 3:20-21) and forever be surrounded by the glory of Christ. On the other hand I look forward to the beautiful things in life - growing old with my wife, becoming a father in 6 months, growing in Christ and being a powerful witness for Him. A mere cognitive look at the proceeding two sentences would leave the first looking far more attractive, and I know it should be this way, but there's part of me that will miss these things on earth. Even the noble things in life can misdirect our focus. So I thank God for this chapter and the revelation from the Holy Spirit that the better perspective is to be "well pleased to be absent from the body and present with the Lord" (v. 8). What a day it will be!
Paul's desire to be present with the Lord did not cause him to ignore the fact that he wasn't there yet and still had work to do. His aim, whether present or absent from God, was to be well pleasing to Him (v. 9). Paul allowed this perspective to drive him to witness to others. "Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men" (v. 11). Being eternally focused means realizing that the hard truth is that everyone in this world is destined for an afterlife in one of two places. Knowing that in one place you'll have eternal company with God, a glorified body, a new home, etc. and that the other place....let's just say you'll have a little less (Revelation 20:11-15), how could you not tell everyone you know?
It just get better every day!
ReplyDeleteYou said that "Even the noble things in life can misdirect our focus." How true? Even the Lord told his dear mother when she searched for him and found him at the temple: "Why are you searching for me; don't you know where I will or would be?" That is the attitude we must have about God's word and work. Let nothing, absolutely nothing misdirect our focus! But we do! Oftentimes!
Luke 2:41-49
41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; 44 but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 So when they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 Now so it was that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought You anxiously.”
49 And He said to them, “Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?”
How could you not want to be in the presence of the Lord even on earth at every opportunity? How could you not be obedient? How could you not long for the word of God?