2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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AS LONG AS I AM IN THIS TABERNACLE
TUESDAY, JUNE 9
2 Peter 1:12-15
2 Corinthians 5:1-11
“Nevertheless to abide in the flesh
is more needful for you.”
AS LONG AS I AM IN THIS TABERNACLE
A true servant of the Lord is a man who is caught in between two desires. First, he desires intently to be with his blessed Master in His heavenly home. This is especially so when he is old or when his day of death is drawing near. Second, he desires that he will have more time on earth to care for the flock, which has been under his shepherding.
Peter was fully aware that his time on earth was nearing the end. He said in verse 14, “Knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle, even as our Lord Jesus Christ hath shewed me.” However, he was not at all despondent. He was all the more determined to make full use of his remaining days for the benefit of God’s people.
Dear reader, each day brings us closer to our graves. This knowledge should stir our hearts to be diligent in the things of the Lord. We should not put off serving the Lord to a later period. Now is the time for us to serve the Lord. Tomorrow may not be ours. This was also the attitude of our Lord Jesus during the days of His earthly ministry. He said, “I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work” (John 9:4).
What is very fascinating about Peter is that he had planned for the ministry of the Word to continue most efficiently even after his lifetime. He wrote, “Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance” (2 Pet 1:15). One of his biggest contributions to the church on earth was this epistle of 2 Peter. The Reformers left a great legacy behind: the Reformation doctrines. Dear reader, what legacy do you want to leave behind when you have to leave your tabernacle on earth? We are here now in our tabernacle to be a blessing in Christ to many. Let us do it well for our generation and also for the generation to come.
THOUGHT: Nearness of death makes God’s servants more diligent.
PRAYER: Lord, help me to make my life count for Thee while I have breath.