8We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. 9So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. 10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:8-10)
Thoughts: Paul is confident and hopeful. He believes he will win either way- by dying or living. Death does not take our confidence and hope away. But what we want to do is to always please Him- whether we are alive or in heaven. The idea of judgment is not a bad thing for Paul. He knows the judge and he knows he not only will not be condemned but he expects and award. The judgement seat was not just for condemnation- or even for a declaration of innocence or forgiveness- but rather an award. Paul views the judgment seat like the podium for Olympic medals- a place to go to be honored and rewarded. Paul has confidence, though he was very aware of his past sins against Stephen and others. He has more confidence in knowing Christ, his cross, and his resurreciton.
Prayer: Lord, let me find my confidence in you in life or in death.
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