Episode 171: 2 Corinthians 5

Today's meditation is on 2 Corinthians Chapter 5

I know that even if this body I live in is folded up at death like a tent, I will still have a God-built home that no human hands have built, which will last forever in the heavenly realm. Sometimes, I grow weary in my present body. I inwardly sigh, longing to put on my heavenly body like new clothing. For I will put on a heavenly body; I won't be a spirit without a body.

While I live in this earthly body, I groan under its burden. Not that I want to die and get rid of this body that clothes me, but rather, I want to put on my new body so that this dying body will be swallowed up by life. And this is no empty hope, for God himself has prepared me for this, and as a guarantee he has given me his Holy Spirit.

So I am always confident and full of courage, even though I know that as long as I live in this body I am not at home with the Lord. And I am homesick to be with the Master, for I live by faith, not by what I see with my eyes. I live in a joyful confidence, even though I would rather be away from this earthly body, for then I will be at home with the Lord. So whether I live or die, I make it my life's passion to live a life that is pleasing to him. For one day, I must stand before Christ to be judged. I will receive whatever I deserve for the good or evil I have done in this earthly body.

Because I understand my awesome responsibility to the Lord, I make it my passion to persuade others to turn to him. My life is transparent before the God who knows me fully. I hope that others can see my sincerity and not esteem outward appearances while overlooking what is in my heart

If it seems I am crazy, it is to bring glory to God. And if I am in my right mind, it is for the benefit of others. For it is Christ's love that fuels my passion and holds me tightly. Since I believe that Christ died for me, I also believe that I have died to my old life. I no longer live a self-absorbed life, but a life that is poured out for him -- the one who died for me and now lives again. 

I refuse to evaluate people merely by their outward appearance. At one time I thought of Christ merely from a human point of view. How differently I know him now! I no longer see him with limited human insight. I belong to Christ and have become a new person. All that is related to the old order has vanished. My old life is gone. Behold, everything is fresh and new. God has made all things new, and reconciled me to himself. It is a gift from God. 

And God has given me this task of reconciling others to him. For God was in Christ, reconciling the world to himself. He no longer counts my sins against me, he doesn't keep a record at all. And he has entrusted to me the ministry of opening the door of reconciliation to God. I am Christ’s ambassador; carrying his message to the world as though God were tenderly pleading directly through my lips. I speak for Christ when I plead, “Come back to God!” For God made Christ, who knew no sin to become sin for me, so that I might become the righteousness of God through my union with him.

Until next time, be blessed and be a blessing.

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