Introductory Thoughts
A man’s body is the house or dwelling place for his soul and his spirit. Since this dwelling (or body) is merely temporary, the scripture likens it to a tabernacle—a temporary structure (2 Corinthians 5:1-4; 2 Peter 1:13-14). The body is nothing more than a temporary shell in which a man lives while in this world, much like the tabernacle the Israelites pitched while in the wilderness. When Peter spoke of death, he likened it to merely putting off his tabernacle. One day soon, each man, woman, boy, or girl will put off his or her tabernacle and go somewhere (heaven or hell) for eternity. The personal question each individual must answer is where he will end up once he puts off his tabernacle.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): Earthly buildings are temporary. When Jesus spoke of His death, He called His earthly body a temple that could be destroyed. But since He is God, He had power to raise it up. This confused His enemies (John 2:19-21).
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(For everyone): Read 2 Corinthians 5:1. What does the Bible say will happen to the saved when their earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved?
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How does the Bible describe death for the saved person? Does it make it seem fearful and difficult? How is the biblical perception quite different from mans common perception?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord for strength to serve Him while living in this tabernacle.
- Ask God to prepare you for the day you put off your tabernacle.
Song
FADE, FADE, EACH EARTHLY JOY
