SCRIPTURE: 2Corinthians (NIV) 5:8 We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due to him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.
OBSERVATION: It is good that Paul describes death with two equal but opposing phrases. The first is “to be away from the body.” The body in its present form is temporary. It is temporal. It is appropriate and proper for our life on earth. But until Jesus comes, it will be left behind.
The second phrase, “at home with the Lord,” gives us a wonderful comforting thought about death. Not only does Paul tell where we will not be, he also tells us where we will be! When death takes us, what a comfort it is for our loved ones to know to where we have gone! What comfort for those left behind, those with the responsibility of taking care of what we leave behind — our possessions, our family and friends, yes, and our body too.
APPLICATION: Two things we can take from this passage as priorities. First, we need to make sure that are ready to meet Jesus, either when He specifically calls for us, or when He comes for all believers! What could be more important than being prepared for our death!!! We choose our eternal destiny while here on this earth. “Eternity” is longer than “forever.” Now is the time to choose; today is the day of salvation. Going through death’s door, we will enter eternity without God in hell, or eternity with God in heaven! The second is to make sure our family will meet us there!
If you are not sure, pray with me…
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, I confess to you that I am a sinner. I humbly request your forgiveness. What a terrible price You paid to be able to wash me clean from all sin. I receive the blood of your sacrifice as payment for my sins. Come live in my life as my Lord. I surrender my heart and life to you. Thank you for forgiving me and sharing my life with me. As you are living in me, may the things I do and say bring you joy. Amen
Pastor Leon
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