Key Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:1, 17
For we know that if our earthly house, this tent, is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

The tent-maker, Paul, calls our bodies “tents.” Our new dwelling is a “building…a house…a new creation.” He uses the present tense. Faith says that the new is already ours.

Seven times the word “therefore” is repeated. This word could be replaced by “as a result” or “the conclusion is that…” (1) “We do not lose heart.” (2) “We are renewed day by day.” (3) “We are always confident.” (4) “Our aim . . . to be well pleasing to Him.” (5) “Now we know Him.” (6) “All things have become new.” And (7) “We are ambassadors for Christ.”

Paul’s first letter to the Corinthian believers produced the desired result, a correction in their doctrines and in their practices. This second letter, we may be sure, also produced the desired results. A result is something brought about by a cause. Our reading today is producing in us strength, courage, confidence, inspiration, and a resolve to live to the fullest measure of our potential in Christ. AMEN!!!!!

PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord Jesus, You are the pure, holy, sinless Son Of God. Yet I read in 5:21 that You were made to be the very embodiment of sin itself for me. I’m overwhelmed by this truth. Enable me, I pray, to live the “new creation” life, which You have provided for me by taking my sin upon Yourself. Amen! Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:
I noticed a Latin inscription in the picture below and wished I could find my old Latin textbook from 60 years ago to help me figure out what it says. Instead, I emailed my friend Dr. Paul Maier, Professor of Ancient History at Western Michigan University, and asked him what it meant. He replied right away with the following…”The inscriptions are incomplete, hence the brackets in this attempt at translation: ‘Built by N.P. Caesar, [descendant of] the divine [emperor] Antoninus Pius [and] grandson of Minerva.‘” Dr. Maier explained that Antoninus Pius was Emperor of Rome from A.D. 138-161.

It’s interesting how many of the Roman Emperors claimed to be divine, or a god. Jesus said to Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world” (John 18:36). The Roman-appointed Jewish leaders said to the Roman Governor, “If you let this Man go, you are not Caesar’s friend” (John 19:12). I’ve just read from John 18:28 to John 19:22 (click here).

Yours for daily soaking in God’s Word,

David