I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body. (2 Pet. 1:13)
MY DAUGHTER,LAURIE, IS A CAMPER. She will trek from her home in Portland to the farthest reaches of Oregon and beyond. Often, she camps overnight in cold weather or on some lofty mountain. Under these conditions, her equipment must be in top-notch shape; otherwise, her experience could be disastrous.
After repeated uses, she sees signs that her equipment is aging. She finds a hole here, a rip there. Her tent shows that it has had too much wear.
People are like that. When my wife and I vacation with Laurie, we hike because that is what she likes to do. On such occasions, I think about this Scripture describing my body as an earthly tent. The condition of my tent is not what it used to be. I am aware that my body is perishable and totally mortal.
I am growing older. Signs of aging appear—the gray hair, some age spots, a few wrinkles around the eyes. I tire more quickly. These are signs that my tent is wearing out.
Yet, the real me is not visible to the eye. One day, this tent will be rendered useless, but my spirit will continue forever. I will receive a body filled with strength and endurance.
Praise to God, for He promises that what is mortal will be swallowed up in eternal life.
Thank God for His gift of the strong, imperishable you in eternity.
Drexel Rankin is a retired ordained minister who served in Indiana, Alabama, and Kentucky. He and his wife, Patty, live in Louisville, Kentucky.
