Daily Devotion with Pastor Tong Liu: Today's Passage

2 Corinthians 5:1

"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."

So what was it that "now we know" according to Paul? It was the fact that our days on earth are short. He described our life on earth as "the earthly" tent," and he said that this tent will be destroyed. We, however, also know that after this tent is destroyed, our life does not end, but God will lead us to "an eternal house in heaven". It is a more beautiful home where God will be eternally present.

The contrast between a tent and an eternal house is a rather interesting one. Many people like to go camping because it's fun to occasionally stay in a tent, but we're going to think twice if we were asked to stay in a tent forever. On the contrary, the eternal house is a far more beautiful place where God will be with us forever. Therefore, to us death is not an end, but rather it's resting from all the hardship on earth, and having life enter into the arms of God to enjoy His presence. Paul said it's a place that is "better by far," which is hard for us to imagine. Many years ago I went to a conference in Atlanta, and several people came from Taiwan to attend. Prior to the meeting there was an accident involving an SUV, and four people died right on the spot, including some that I knew. Our hearts were heavy and we kept on asking God why it happened. One day, God suddenly asked me, "do you think it's better to be on earth than in heaven?" We were asking God why they left us because we're assuming that they were going to a place worse than ours! I understood the truth and felt released, then I repented before God that subconsciously I did feel that it's better to be on earth than to be in heaven, because I forgot that eternal house in heaven is far better than our tent on earth!

Similarly, the days we'll be spending with the Lord is far better than our days spent on earth with the constraint of our body. Paul that "now we know," but how exactly do we know and how can we be sure about this? We must believe that it will happen because that what God's word says. Hallelujah! May God give us real assurance and confirmation, so that we will clear know where we will be after we leave the earth.

Pray with Pastor

Lord, please forgive us for often thinking that the earth is better than the heaven, and we mourn about death much like non-believers. In the name of the Lord I rebuke the spirit of deception and from the bottom of my heart I am eagerly waiting for your return. I thank you and I pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!