2 Corinthians 5 Commentary
We are introduced to another term, the “tent”. Of course, it is more familiar to us than the “jar of clay” or “pot of clay”. But the thought is the same. However, Paul’s choice of the term “tent” is meant to emphasize yet another fact. These pots of clay are actually temporal structures.
A tent is always associated with life on the move. The tent, though housing God’s special treasure, is always transient in nature – perfectly pictured by the Book of Hebrews: “They were foreigners and strangers on earth.” Hebrews 11 verse 13.
We guess a pot of clay would last without “enemy” forces or tempering or adverse weather. The “tent” concept adds transience to our bodily form. It is an inbuilt feature. “Wear and tear “isn’t a bad phrase! Again, it is a design spec. The aging saints shouldn’t overly concern themselves with faltering faculties! The tent is merely doing what tents do – by order of the manufacturer!
But we have the Spirit of Jesus – a deposit of things to come. A foretaste of better things to come! It is a less celebrated function of the Holy Spirit but it means everything. When (and not if) meaninglessness or nothingness knocks on the door of your soul, and when (and not if) you begin to ask questions like: What is the point of life, know the Holy Spirit becomes the answer. The LORD gives His Spirit to show men and women the version of life under the feet of Father.
So, what are we doing in these pots of clay, in these tents? Glory awaits! Mansions beckon!
Ministry of Reconciliation. Believers are on duty! LORD, help us understand.
Chapter 5 is headlined by verse 17. “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” Take note, the tent remains; transience remains. The pots are still made of clay (not iron); fragility remains.
There is more to verse 17. “New creation” means Genesis version 2.0. The process begins again. Check it and see how it all works. Let there be light: The LORD does what the LORD does. The Holy Spirit is the breath of life in the saint. You are dead without Him. Ponder. Ponder the facts of creation and see the place of the breath of life. Then you know the Spirit isn’t simply a walking stick!
Will the new creation function without the Breath of life? We dare not venture out on a mission on our own terms! We understand we are merely ambassadors.
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