2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 (NRSV)
Read 2 Corinthians 4:13 – 5:1 on biblegateway.com
Verse 13But just as we have the same spirit of faith that is in accordance with scripture-"I believed, and so I spoke" -we also believe, and so we speak, Verse 14because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus, and will bring us with you into his presence. Verse 15Yes, everything is for your sake, so that grace, as it extends to more and more people, may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God. Verse 16So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day. Verse 17For this slight momentary affliction is preparing us for an eternal weight of glory beyond all measure, Verse 18because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal.
Chapter 5For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.
Devotion
We’ve heard of the brokenness of creation and of brokenness in the heart of the psalmist. And now the Apostle Paul writes of the brokenness of our bodies. And yet there is wonderful hope because of what God has done and will do for us in Christ. We will be raised with Jesus, and we will be brought into His presence.
In the meantime, the vision may not be so pretty. We have one foot in this world, and one foot in that which is yet to come. We are both saint and sinner. We do our best and yet, despite our best efforts we still miss the mark. Certainly, some days have us leaning more one way than the other. But because of Christ’s resurrection, the balance leans toward hope, regardless of what circumstances might suggest for us today. What a thrill it is to walk with confidence and live in such communities of hope today.
Prayer
Precious Lord, please take my hand and lead me into a well-balanced life today. Let me be full of love for you while reflecting your love despite my circumstances. Help me see today while also see my future with you. Amen.