Blessed After Death

2 Corinthians 5:8-9

Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.

The future of believers after death is blessed. Listen to the apostle John who spoke of the blessing of the “dead who die in the Lord.” “’ Blessed indeed,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them” (Revelation 14:13). Rest awaits God’s people after death and their good works will follow them with the attending reward from God.

One of the most extensive passages in Scripture that deals with death and life after death was written to the Corinthians. What a wonderful blessing it would be if every believer would share in this faith and hope expressed by the apostle Paul. “We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8). What Paul focuses on is not what is seen, but what cannot be seen, the eternal, unseen realities promised by God and purchased for us by Christ on the cross.

Instead of being discouraged with his aging, dying body, by faith Paul sees the bright side. The Spirit of God guarantees every believer that what is mortal (our physical bodies filled with all kinds of sickness and eventual death) will be swallowed up with life. After death, we shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the rewards awaiting the believer who served God faithfully on this earth. A Christian should run the marathon race of life with diligence to receive “a crown that will last forever” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). Leaders should serve faithfully so that they will receive “the crown of glory that will never fade away” (1 Peter 5:1-4). 

Today's Reflection

Thank God that a crown of blessing awaits you after your body dies. Ask him to help you today to run the race of your life with diligence.