I have been blessed over the course of my life to meet a lot of people and travel to many places. The positives far outweigh the negatives, but not many days pass without my learning of someone who has died, that, in varying degrees, weaves into the fabric of my life. While it is a time of rejoicing that they have made it to heaven, and we have the promise that we will see them again, our hearts are saddened by the temporary separation. Today, I will be one of the ministers in the homegoing celebration of Rev. Hugh Skelton. One of the greatest men I’ve ever known, who made a profound impact on the world, my friend, whom I will dearly miss.

According to Acts 18:3, Paul was a tent maker. Did he come from a family of tent makers? No explanation is given other than it seemed to supplement his income for his main calling, which was preaching the Gospel. Being a tent maker, he understood that tents are not permanent. You may get a few years of service out of one, but soon it will need to be replaced. Paul talked about that in 2 Corinthians chapter 5.

My experience with tents began in the Boy Scouts and continued in Royal Rangers. From old army tents to the more modern versions, I slept in quite a few over my lifetime. If they are used very much, they will eventually need to be replaced with something better. Over time, the seams may become ripped, or they may lose their ability to shield you from the rain. The wear and tear will cause them to become less effective. But while we have them, they provide joy, fellowship, relaxation, and the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful world God created.

Paul said our bodies are like tents. They are temporary, and after years of use, they become worn and torn. But as believers, we have a promise that when this earthly tent is finally used up, God has a heavenly home for us. Jesus said in John 14:2 that “He is preparing a place for us.” Something better than we had; something God Himself made.

When our camping adventure on earth is over, death does not win. 2 Corinthians 5:4 says, “Death is swallowed up by life.” 1 Corinthians 15:54 says that “Death is swallowed up by victory.” When we take our last breath here, we will lay our tents aside and walk into something far better.