2Co 5:4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened--not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.
Rom 8:23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
2Co 5:2 For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling,
As time goes on, the more and more I can relate to the inward groaning, eagerly awaiting our redemption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. Sometimes I feel it so strongly I think I am going to "fly away" right then and there
I think about it every day.
Heb 11:16 But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.
Eph 1:11 In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will,
Eph 1:12 so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.
Eph 1:13 In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,
Eph 1:14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
We have an inheritance. How amazing. Thank you Lord. Truly as Erik said (and this is hard to keep in mind in this veil of tears) Rom 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. I must keep that in mind.
I will remain in my caterpillar state as long as God has ordained, but I want to be the butterfly...and I think in every way the butterfly far exceeds the caterpillar, and has a LOT BETTER VIEW, too of everything. And butterflies are much more aware than caterpillars ever will be. And I truly think that is a small physical example of the completeness and beauty and higher level of the change that awaits us.
Co 15:51 Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,
1Co 15:52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed.
1Co 15:53 For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality.
Doug