What a great message for us as believers. Paul’s words to the Corinthians can speak to our hearts, too. Wasn’t it as if Paul knew exactly what we were thinking because he understood the struggle with faith questions? Many people today are looking ahead to the future and what comes next. Paul gives us a glimpse into the future, too. Now we understand the honor and privilege it is to be followers of Christ.
This was an abnormally long reading for devotions on the “Go,” but there is so much wisdom in these two chapters, especially helpful for new believers. Paul would have been writing to folks, perhaps just learning about Jesus and what his kingdom looks like. If Jews, these people would still be grappling with the fact that their Messiah came to fight a different battle than they expected.
Paul gives examples of how we live our lives while seeking the kingdom. The clue here is to simply live our lives pure and Christ-like. How difficult that seems when we’re just getting to know Jesus. We find comfort when we discover community with others seeking the kingdom. We become the kingdom as we seek Jesus and serve each other. It’s when “we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen” rather than our troubles that our transformation truly begins.
When it comes to the future as followers of Christ, isn’t it great to know receiving new and improved bodies is included? We’re promised these new bodies will be “made for us by God himself and not by human hands.” It can’t get any more perfect than that!
People like to muse about what heaven will be like someday. Paul’s words give us some revelations about what we’ll encounter. Verse 10 may be a bit troubling. “For we must all stand before Christ to be judged. We will each receive whatever we deserve for the good or evil we have done in this earthly body.” Don’t be intimidated. Keep in mind that this is not talking about our salvation. That has already been secured. But we will be judged for our actions and get what we “deserve.” Don’t worry if your list of sins seems longer than you’d like. Jesus forgives you.
I am looking forward to my new body. What will it look like? It’s quite exciting. I feel sorry for the people who are afraid of death, unsure of their destiny. I love this verse. “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” But since we don’t know when that day will come, we need to live boldly for Christ.
Being focused on Jesus and helping others see Jesus as the truth is what it means to be Christ’s ambassador. How does it make you feel that “God is making his appeal through us”? Most of us don’t feel worthy or equipped to represent God well. We have such awe and respect, yet feel limited in our understanding. Guess what? Nobody truly understands the mysteries of God. And that’s okay.
Meditate instead on the image of being like a fragile clay jar. We are weak and need a Savior, yet we know God can use imperfect people. No matter what the struggle, temptation, or attack, we can always count on God. We will not be crushed. In those times of weakness, remember the power of God that sustains you.
Let’s pray. Lord, empower me to be your ambassador as I live each day for you. Help me to see the people who need to hear a word from you. Use me to encourage them to come back to you. While I look forward to the new body you are preparing for me, help me to care for the one I have here and never miss an opportunity to share my faith with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
