A lot of time in life is spent in preparation – preparing for the day, for a trip, for a task, for a major event like a wedding, a concert, or a sermon. Preparation assumes thought, prioritization, action, and discipline. The preparation, though in itself can seem like a journey, is not an end; it leads toward something ultimately. A couple weeks ago Andrea spent two days preparing to travel with our daughter-in-law and our grandchildren from Buffalo, NY to Maine. With much anticipation she exuded discipline and diligence with pleasure. Then the trip was cancelled due to a medical emergency. It was a letdown that could not have been helped, but her disappointment was evident. Although the preparation was for nothing, that wasn’t the source of her disappointment; that for which she had prepared and enthusiastically anticipated would not be realized.
The Scriptures teach us that God has prepared us for something grand and full of delight. Not only has he prepared us, but he has given a guarantee – the first installment of that grand delight. The initial deposit (guarantee) given is his Holy Spirit – his very presence – to encourage and empower us during this preparation phase that has its challenges and frustrations, but “this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison” (2 Cor. 4:17). That contrast is echoed by the apostle in the next chapter when he writes “that what is mortal may be swallowed up in life!” (2 Cor. 5:4). Our current state of “mortality” is a temporary dwelling that is predisposed to corruption – to die. But I love the imagery that Paul uses in the phrase “swallowed up!” The idea is to overwhelm and bring to an end, like a frog ejecting its tongue to capture a fly and immediately the fly is gone - swallowed up. You see that, and you think, “Well, so much for that fly!” When our mortality is swallowed up by life, this momentary disorder and pain will seem rather insignificant. It was here, then it’s gone! Now, it is just the grand delight of life – fullness of joy and pleasures evermore! That is the presence of God when we see his face. Paul, who suffered beyond anything you or I ever will, could say, “So we are always of good courage” (2 Cor. 5:6).
So be of good courage in this time of preparation. God has prepared us and guaranteed it. Prepare to be swallowed up by life!
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