Tabernacle Destroyed

Looking at 2 Corinthians 5.1 again, I noticed that the Greek word for 'destroyed' or 'taken down' is katalythe. It was previously used by Y'shua in the context of the Temple being torn down (cf. Mark 14.58). Similar words were used in Mark 13.2, Luke 21.6 in the same context. That similar word was also used by Gamaliel as he cautioned the Sanhedrin about opposing the apostle's teaching and performing miracles in Y'shua's name. "If they are planning and doing these things merely on their own, it will soon be overthrown" (Acts 5.38 NLT).

Also skenous (or skene) is translated as tabernacle and predominantly used Hebrews 9 and 13. Compare Hebrews 9. 11 and 2 Corinthians 5.1:

• So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come. He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. (Hebrews 9.11 NLT)
• For we know that when this earthly [household of the tabernacle] we live in is taken down, we will have a house in heaven, an eternal [dwelling] made for us by God himself and not by human hands. (2 Corinthians 5.1 NLT with editing)

Clearly the passage in Hebrews is not talking about a human body, as most commentators and the NLT translators have implied for the 2 Corinthians passage. Why are those responsible for interpreting 2 Corinthians 5 for us ignoring a key word like 'tabernacle'?

Paul goes on to write about groaning while living in the earthly tabernacle. Could he be talking about persecution? Could he be talking about the discomfort within the organized Jewish religion? Might this also be what Y'shua meant when he said it's not good to put new wine in old wineskins (Matthew 9.17)?

"The [troubles] we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. For we know that when this earthly household of the tabernacle is taken down, we will have a household in heaven made for us by God himself and not by human hands." (2 Corinthians 4.18-5.1)

All In?

Our church has been going through the book Radical by David Platt. He starts out by looking at Luke 14.25-35. Here Christ is asking us to be all in. Besides saying that nothing should get in the way of our following him, he says we're salt. If we lose any of the saltiness, we're no good.

Imagine him asking you, "Will you give me your best? Your very best? Your absolute best? Even if you don't know how far I'm asking you to go?" Of course, you want to say, "I will, Lord. Whatever you ask." But is there some hesitation in your voice or your heart, because you don't know what he's going to ask you to do.

In this world you'll have trouble. Christ told us that in John 14. Paul alludes to it in 2 Corinthians 4 & 5, not only personally but also for the whole church being battered by storms. When trouble comes, you might feel like quitting.

But Christ is yelling, "You promised your best, your absolute best! Don't give up! You can do it. Just keep going." And he's with you the whole time, encouraging you, exhorting you. He did this with his disciples who did not understand him completely. He stuck with them, even when their attitude stunk, got afraid and denied knowing him.

"Cheer up, Zion! Don't be afraid. For the Lord your God is living among you." He's right beside you or in front of you.
"He is a mighty savior." He'll fight the battles. You have to follow.
"He will take delight in you with gladness." It's easy to do your best for someone who knows you can do good work.
"With his love, he will calm all your fears." Don't worry. Keep pushing forward. Go all in! Like a mom holding you during a storm, he's right there.
"He will rejoice over you with joyful songs." When you cross the line, he celebrates your victory.

Zephaniah 3.17 (NLT)

Watch this excerpt from Facing the Giants. Imagine the coach as Christ with you. Remember others are watching you and how you live out your belief. Have the attitude that you can do all things through Christ...