Sunday 9 Nov 2008

Sunday Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:6-11
 
Key Verse: 2 Corinthians 5:11
11  Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade men. But we are revealed to God, and I trust also that we are revealed in your consciences.

Devotion:
How do you treat your home? Do you ignore it and hardly ever go back to it, or do you always return to it knowing that it is your home and you can have rest there? For those of us that are fortunate to be able to have a home, it is a place where we can always return for shelter and rest – not to mention the food, clothes and shower! It is a place where we know that we are safe and secure; a place that has been reserved for us. We have probably had to work to earn our home, or maybe our parents have done all the work so far... but one day we too will have to put forward our own labour in order to gain a place to live and call our own home...

We have such a place in heaven. But unlike our home here on earth, our heavenly home has not had to be constructed by hand but has been made by Christ Himself for out wellbeing. It is a place that we have not yet had to work for. It is a gift from God... What would you be willing to do if someone asked you “what would you do in order for me to give you a new house”? What would you put up with so that you could get your house?

Far too few people are willing to do anything for God even though they have already been given a place in heaven; as Jesus describes it “a mansion”! Don’t get me wrong, it is not a necessity that we have to do much work to secure our heavenly home – it IS a gift from God... But, one day, we will all come face to face with our Maker and we will then receive what is due to us because of the things that we have done through our bodies. For those who do not turn to Christ, they will have to face up to the fact that they have chosen to pay for their own sins – and because of that they will be denied access to any place in heaven. But for those who turn to Christ, they will receive their eternal mansion... a place that will forever more be known as home!

Points to Ponder:
Would you rather have a house or live on the streets?
 
Have you accepted your free gift from God?