Key Passage: 2 Corinthians 4:1-5:7
Devotional:
I’m not sure who first said it, but many have throughout the years—”A thorough reading of Scripture reveals that only two things last forever: the Word of God (see Isaiah 40:8) and the souls of men.”
This week, we’ve been focusing our attention on our heavenly home. We look forward to an eternity of dwelling with God and forever praising Him for His character and acts. However, for now, we still live in the reality of a sin-broken world, navigating the difficulties of marred relationships, disappointing experiences, and the ache of longing for the perfection that is yet to come. We find ourselves caught in the tension of the “already, but not yet.”
So how does our longing for eternity impact the present? In 2 Corinthians 4-5, Paul addresses this question with a twofold answer: By (1) passionately sharing the gospel and (2) patiently enduring suffering.
During our time on earth, believers are called to set our eyes on what will last forever. We are commissioned to share the Gospel and, as Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4, to commit ourselves wholeheartedly to the advancement of God’s kingdom. We are also called to endure hardship, keeping our focus on Jesus (See Hebrews 12:1-2.) and the eternal home we have been promised (See 2 Corinthians 4:17-18.) as our motivation to persevere through difficulties.
I’m always astounded by Paul’s perspective in these verses. Throughout his missionary journeys, he faced countless persecutions, shipwrecks, false accusations, and temptations—yet he maintained the view that “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.” His eternal perspective fueled his urgency to share the good news of redemption with all who would hear. It also enabled him to face opposition with peace, knowing that the coming glory of Heaven far outweighed any hardship he might endure on earth.
A few years ago, my family faced the unexpected death of my father-in-law. While that season was incredibly difficult, I am grateful for the hope that we will see him again in Heaven one day. Until then, the Lord has used that season to remind me of life’s brevity and to fix my affections on Heaven. Too often, we pour our time, resources, and efforts into accumulating things that will fade away—sometimes before we are even gone. When we ponder eternity, it helps us gain the right perspective on our current circumstances. They will not last forever, but the souls of people will.
Application Question: Consider the coming glory of Heaven. Does pondering the eternity to come give you a deeper fervency to share the Gospel with someone? If so, who? Is there a trial or temptation that begins to pale in light of the eternity that you will spend in your heavenly home?
Further Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:8-21
Download the full 8 week devotional: https://www.redlettersocietymusic.com/
Listen to the album: https://open.spotify.com/album/7rbIGXUIvpt0LTG5bN9tjz?si=KTdBmFPMT0yNFZb_njYs0gWritten by Alexandra Gibson
Comments