August 30, 2017 – 2 Corinthians 5:5-6

Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee. So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:5-6.

How does God prepare us for seeing Him? In many ways this preparation has already been made, even before we are born.  For we know that we have an eternal body made for us, and this longing for home is placed in us by God Himself. As we age, our earthly bodies become weary of life on earth.  There are no earthly potions or ways to prolong our lives on earth.  The desire for things to be as they have always been is strong.

The Golden Plover birds fly from Hawaii to Alaska to lay eggs. The longing for home becomes so great, they leave their fledgling birds and fly home to Hawaii, an 88 hour flight non stop.  When the fledgling birds grow up, they fly to a place they have never been. How can this be?  Just as we long for Heaven and peace and love, these small creatures show the greatness of God. Just as the Golden Plover birds know where Home is, we know in our hearts, with Whom our Home is. And God awaits…

We live by faith that grows into a mighty trust in the Lord our God.  We are confident our God prepares us for eternity.  There is not a single detail God has forgotten.  He has everything prepared for you and for me.

For when we are absent from this body, we are present with the Lord.  This moment is captured in these lyrics –

For we walk by faith, not by sight. We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 2 Corinthians 5:7-8.