September 23
Bible Reading: Acts 18:1-4
Acts 18:3, “Because he was of the same trade he stayed with them and worked, for they were tentmakers by trade.”
Our family once tent-camped at the Deschutes River State Park, located at the mouth of the Deschutes River. The Columbia River Gorge is known for its strong winds, and on that occasion, the gusts seemed so fierce that they might lift our tent off the ground. Tents, being temporary structures, are vulnerable to the elements and limited in their ability to provide comfort and shelter. Across the river from Deschutes River State Park lies the Maryhill Museum of Art. We once visited the museum, which was built to endure for “1000 years.” Despite its impressive stature, the Maryhill Museum is not immune to the disturbing and decaying forces that affect all creation (Romans 8:21; 2 Peter 1:4). But God has marvelously provided, through Jesus, a means through which the believer will one day exchange the earthly tent, which is our body, for the glorious mansion He’s prepared for us in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:1).
Paul worked with Aquila and Priscilla, making tents. In those days, tent-makers used knives and awls to cut and sew together tents made of animal hair, leather, or linen. Despite his lofty role as the Apostle to the Gentiles, Paul labored doing the menial task of tent-making. Paul made tents so that He could fulfill that mission, just as many labor in “tent-making” jobs even today so that they can afford to preach the word. He labored and endured much, motivated by his desire to “preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ” (Ephesians 3:8). He not only preached about Jesus to churches, but he also wrote many epistles to the churches to instruct and encourage them in that regard.
Ancient letter writing was neither cheap nor easy. There was papyrus and ink to buy, and labor involved in composition. Some estimate the costs associated with preparing Paul’s letter to the Romans to be over $2,000. The money had to come from somewhere, and tent-making helped Paul to gain the funds. Paul labored making tents to move people, by way of trusting in Jesus, from their earthly tents into mansions in heaven. Paul’s epistles, now available to you in your own Bible, originated from his personal sacrifice because he longed for you to know Jesus and encounter the riches that can only be found in Him. Remember that as you read God’s Word, for many, like Paul, labored hard and sacrificed much to avail the riches of truth to you!
Paul labored making tents, so you could one day trade in your tent for a mansion.
MANSION OVER THE HILLTOP
I’m satisfied with just a cottage below,
A little silver and a little gold;
But in that city where the ransomed will shine,
I want a gold one that’s silver-lined.
Refrain:
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop,
In that bright land where we’ll never grow old;
And someday yonder we will never more wander,
But walk the streets that are purest gold.
Tho’ often tempted, tormented and tested
And, like the prophet, my pillow a stone,
And tho’ I find here no permanent dwelling,
I know He’ll give me a mansion my own. [Refrain]
Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely,
I’m not discouraged, I’m heaven bound;
I’m just a pilgrim in search of a city,
I want a mansion, a harp and a crown. [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 