Shortly I Must Put Off This My Tabernacle
"Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath showed me." (2 Peter 1:14) "And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment." (Heb. 9:27)
The knowledge of the fact that we all must shortly put off this tabernacle (fleshly body) and meet God in Judgment should motivate every one of us in our everyday activities. Paul argues this very point in 2 Cor. 5:11, 12. He says, "For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle (body) were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens." (2 Cor. 5:1) He goes ahead to show that while we are in the body we are absent from the Lord and that we should "walk by faith, not by sight." And thus, be confident, yea, willing to be absent from the body and be present with the Lord. Then in verse 9 he sums up: "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, WE MAY BE ACCEPTED OF HIM."
Indeed, we all know that we shall "shortly" die. "Put off this.... tabernacle." Do we therefore, labour that we may be acceptable unto God??? Instead some leave the impression that they think that they are going to live ALWAYS in this body. They seem to think that they will never die and meet God in Judgment. They seem to NOT care whether they are acceptable unto God or not. OUR EVERY CONSCIOUS ACT SHOULD BE MOTIVATED BY A DESIRE TO BE ACCEPTABLE TO GOD. Then it will make no difference whether we are "present or absent," because we will be "seek(ing) those things which are above...." (Col. 3:1) "Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth." (Col. 3:2)
Do you know that if your earthly tabernacle (body) were dissolved, that you have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens"??? You need this hope more than you need anything else in this world. You may have it if you will faithfully obey all God's commandments. (Rev. 22:14) "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city (heaven)." Dear sinner, will you confess your faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God; repent and be baptized for the remission of your sins. You will then be a child of God. Live a faithful life and heaven will be your eternal abode. THINK IT OVER.
— 41325 Kathlean, Fremont, California