“For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.” 2 Corinthians 5:1

My brain had forgotten that I needed to prep the church and turn on the air conditioning for Bible Study. So I searched the house for my keys I misplaced and went out into the heat, which increased DRAMATICALLY when I got into my truck. My air conditioning was broken and I hit the only 2 red lights between me and the church… 3 minutes each! By now I was sweating and irritable. The guy in front of me, obviously enjoying his air conditioning and cell phone, just sat there! Hitting my limit, I lost my cool and punched the horn! I immediately sensed some umpire of the universe blow his whistle and yell… “YER OUT!” I had ‘LOSER’ written all over me! But I’m NOT!

It was a joy to read this verse and have the Holy Spirit clarify a long held question for me. It is one I get quite often in Bible Study. “If I die before Jesus returns, will I just float around in heaven until after my body is raptured and restored?” There are plenty of theories out there, but this morning, after yesterday’s experience, I received an ‘AHA’ moment with this verse.

I have had to confess that I didn’t really KNOW know. But Scripture and the Holy Spirit have clarified the message. “I HAVE” a body waiting for me in Heaven. One that will fit me like the me I was meant to be! That makes me smile!

Years ago my kids turned my office into a Bat-cave. Over in the corner is a Batman suit that hangs on a stand. In reality… it is nothing but a joke. If I put it on, it doesn’t give me incredible powers or change me into a super hero. It’s a COSTUME! Just like the real body I live in right now! The one that forgets, sweats, gets sick, angry, tired and is filled with earthly cravings that make me anything BUT a super hero! The Bible calls it a tent. I have slept many nights in tents. They are NOT comfortable.

Now the Marvel Comic series has a great analogy in the Iron-man character. When trouble comes, Tony Stark can simply hit a button and INSTANTLY… Iron-man comes alive.. invincible and SUPER! But the story falls short in its reality. Why would Tony ever want to take the suit OFF to become a simple HUMAN? Well… that will be a question for Jesus, who did it for real!

My body drags me down, man! MOST of the time, I sin because my FLESH gets in the way of my spirit. As the Bible says, I am a heavenly treasure in an earthen vessel. It even goes further to say that my flesh condition WILL CONTINUE… until I am DEAD! BUT THEN!!!!!!!!!

I like this old truth that is new to me. I was MADE for perfection but I live in a sewer! And so do you! FORTUNATELY… God has promised that when I die, I already HAVE a SUPER SUIT WAITING for me when I get to His place. And when I get home, I will be at home IN IT! No more sweat, irritations, fleshy lusts or bathroom breaks! I will feel PERFECTLY at HOME! It kind of gives new significance to the words… UP UP AND AWAY! Don’t you think?