[2Cor 5:1–5 ESV] 1 For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, 3 if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. 4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened–not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
Notice, in verse 2, we groan. Why? Because we long for the final delivery from this present world by the resurrection (c.f. Rom. 8:23). We long to put off time, so that we can put on eternity. But more than the reality that we groan is why we groan. Is it to simply be delivered from pain? Is it just because we merely want to escape from this world’s problems? Even a lost person can groan about these things to some extent. But Christians groan and long for the final work of redemption because we have the Spirit. We groan because He groans (Rom. 8:26). We groan because we have believed the truth that creation is under the curse. Because we weep over our sin. And because we long to have un(sin)terrupted fellowship with God (not a typo).
But in the meantime, though it is better to be absent from the body, and physically present with the LORD, rejoice today that you have fellowship with God through the Holy Spirit. And that your groaning is in symphony with his, who is working out your sanctification and deliverance even in the midst of upset, frustration, and angst. Yes, even in the face of obvious evil or tragedy. Let us look to him in faith, continuing to labor for, rejoice in, and glorify Christ. Not permitting our present circumstance(s) to shake us from steadfastly looking unto his unshakeable promise of our redemption. And even more than this, not allowing them to make us forget Who has been given to us as a guarantee of that promise.
-Until we go home
George Alvarado
George Alvarado is an almost retired member of our Armed Forces (yes, he's older than he looks). He has a beautiful wife, a very tall son, and currently teaches at Pilgrim Bible Church in Washington. He is also an author, blogger, apologist, evangelist, and podcaster. He loves spending time with his family and friends, traveling, photography, and continuing his studies in linguistics and theology.