Preparing for Christmas Advent Devotional 19
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2 Corinthians 5
Our Heavenly Dwelling

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. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on[a] we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

6 So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9 So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

The Ministry of Reconciliation

11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade others. But what we are is known to God, and I hope it is known also to your conscience. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again but giving you cause to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast about outward appearance and not about what is in the heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you. 14 For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; 15 and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.

16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.[b] The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 that is, in Christ God was reconciling[c] the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. 20 Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. 21 For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.

 

Hope For a New Life
Ryan Knepp

What hope is there in times of trouble? Is there any hope when dealing with medical issues, failed relationships, or when nothing seems to be going your way? Do we look for hope in this life? God gives us a new hope in a life to come. One without disease, with a perfect relationship with our Creator, and one with unimaginable joy. This hope can also bring great peace in trying times.

When I was chosen to write about 2 Corinthians 5, I wasn’t sure what I was going to write about at first. However, it was verse 8 that caught me by surprise. As Christ followers, we have a deep longing to be with Christ in our heavenly home. Being with Christ is far better than our best days here. In a world that sees death as the end of life, God gives us hope that life will swallow up death (verse 4).

This truth reminded me of a time several years ago when I had to confront my own mortality. I had a few fainting spells, but we didn’t know the cause yet. After a trip to the ED for severe chest pains, I found out I had a rare irregular heartbeat. This type of arrhythmia can cause “fainting.” Well, it’s not exactly fainting. It’s what my doctor referred to as an “aborted sudden cardiac death.” Yikes. However, there are two types. One can be deadly. The other is not and commonly goes undiagnosed.

More testing was needed. This involved inducing the arrhythmia again. They would have defibrillators on me ready if needed. If I did have the bad arrhythmia, they would immediately implant a defibrillator into my chest. There’s no medicine or other intervention - just an implanted defibrillator. Double Yikes.

I remember my mom asking me how I was dealing with it all. I was facing death right in the face, but I felt at peace. Peace that can only come from the Lord. I told her I was ok with whatever would happen. If I would end up dying, I get to be with Jesus in paradise. There is nothing better! And if not, God still has plans for me before I go. Those plans are the same for you as they are for me. Verse 11 tells us to persuade others. We are to share the Gospel, so others can share in the hope we have.

If you find yourself in difficult times, remember the hope you have in Christ. It’s a hope for a new life. One that is void of the curse we’re experiencing in this world.

 

 

As you read and reflect on 2 Corinthians 5, ask yourself these questions:

  1. How does God’s heavenly dwelling built for us give me hope in a world full of trouble and burdens?
  2. In what ways will my interactions with others change when remembering the call to be an ambassador of Christ?
  3. What does the ministry of reconciliation look like in my daily life?

 

 

Dear Father, I come to you today asking for you to deepen my hope. In my difficult times, please help me to have that hope in you that I see in 2 Corinthians 5. I'm praying for your sustaining grace so that I can live a God-pleasing life. Thank you for all the challenges and trials you have led me through. I'm praying that I can set my mind upon you as I await being in your presence one day. Please help me to have biblical hope no matter what I face this coming year. Amen.

 

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