If you have never spent the night in a tent you have missed an adventure. When our boys were young we took them camping in a tent. It was always an adventure, especially in the middle of the night. You could hear all the animals forging for food and someone always had to go to the bathroom. It was a memory-making event but not where I would want to live. A tent is a dwelling that is usually made of cloth of some type. Over time it wears out, and holes will come easily as the material decays and rots. A tent can be a fun and wonderful dwelling for a while, but it is usually not intended to be a permanent dwelling.
Paul uses a tent as an analogy to our bodies here on Earth. Tents are temporary. They can be destroyed easily. Sooner or later we all have health issues. Sometimes diseases or accidents cause us to have premature health problems. Sometimes, we just grow old and wear out. Either way, this body was not intended to last forever. Our spirit dwells in this tent while we are alive on earth.
In II Corinthians chapter 5, Paul starts verse 1 with the statement “we know.” He wanted everyone to be aware of what kept them going through persecution, sickness, and physical fatigue. It was the assurance that their tent, their bodies, was not their final home. It was only a temporary dwelling for their soul. The words “we know” in the original language, mean a strong unwavering assurance. Paul did not doubt where He would spend eternity. Paul had experienced Christ on the road to Damascus, he heard the resurrected Christ speak to him. He knew what a difference Christ had made in his life. He also had the privilege of serving and worshiping with many who were eyewitnesses to the resurrection. These accounts left no doubt about life after death.
II Corinthians 5:1 “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.”
Acts 9:4-5 “And falling to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.”
Paul goes on in verse II Corinthians 5:2, to talk about how he groans to put on his permanent dwelling. He longs to go to Heaven. This was also his desire in Philippians 1:21-24, Paul speaks of longing to be with Christ. For his sake, he would rather die and be with Jesus, but for the sake of those who are following Christ, and unbelievers, it is better that he stay and proclaim the gospel and edify the saints.
II Corinthians 5:2 “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,”
Philippians 1:21-24 “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard-pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”
What about us, how should these desires of Paul affect us? All scripture is written for our admonishment or encouragement. It is our example of how we should feel and act. Do you long to go to Heaven to see Jesus? I believe the more we get to know Him, the more we will love Him and want to be with Him. We like Paul should have mixed feelings. We should have a desire to see Him, but a feeling of duty to stay here and be an influence for the cause of Christ.
When we look through the lens of life, we should view it with an eternal perspective. Everything we do should be getting ourselves and others ready to meet Him. We should take care of our bodies so that we can do the task He has left us here to do. We should study so that we can answer those who don’t know Him or those who are young in the faith. At work or school, we are to be paying attention to opportunities to relate a conversation to God. We are to live our lives as a living testimony of what God has done for us.
As I get older, and my earthly tent begins to wear out, I pray the frayed material will be evidence of the work I’ve done to advance the kingdom. As I go through the seasons of life, I pray I adapt and find ways to continue to further the cause of Christ. When I can no longer be physically active, let me be a prayer warrior for others, let me remember to pick up the phone and encourage someone for Christ’s sake. I want to text, email, write, and send cards to spread the gospel to all who will read. When this tent is too worn to be productive for Christ, I pray God will take me home and give me a body that is not made with hands. A perfect permanent dwelling, that will never wear out or get tired, a dwelling that only my eternal Father can make. When this time comes, I’ll be ecstatic that this tent is no more.
Excellent