Just the Shell

Bible Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1–2, 6–8

“Look, Dad! There’s a big one!” Wyatt pointed to a large shell that was sticking up out of

the sand.

Dad walked over to look at Wyatt’s find. It was spiraled and had an opening underneath.

“Be careful, Dad!” said Wyatt. “I’ve seen pictures of that kind of shell. I think hermit crabs live inside them. If there’s one in there, it might snap at you!”

Dad picked up the shell. “This will never hurt anyone,” he said. “It’s empty. See—there’s nothing inside it. It’s just a shell.” He held it up and turned it over so Wyatt could see what it looked like. “There probably used to be a crab inside, but there comes a time in the crab’s life when he squeezes out and leaves his shell and finds a bigger one to live in.”

Wyatt took the shell from his dad and examined it. “So the crab that lived in this shell has a new home now? Wouldn’t it be cool if people could do that?”

Dad laughed. “Well, in a way, they do. Remember how we talked about Grandpa going to heaven to be with Jesus when he died?”

Wyatt slowly nodded. He still missed his grandfather, who had died a few months before. “That was hard to understand because I saw him in the casket at the funeral home.”

“Yes,” said Dad, “but it’s very much like this shell you just found. The crab from this shell is gone. Just his shell is left. And Grandpa is gone too. He went to be with Jesus, and just his shell—his body—was left here. But just like hermit crabs need shells, God created us to have bodies. One day, Jesus will give Grandpa his body back, but it will be a perfect body that will never get sick or die.”

Wyatt looked at the shell in his hand. “When I saw Grandpa at the funeral home, I was just looking at his shell, wasn’t I?”

Dad nodded. “We still feel sad sometimes because we miss him, but it’s wonderful to know he’s safe and happy with Jesus—and that one day Jesus will restore the bodies of all those who trust in Him, including Grandpa.”

How About You?

Has a Christian friend or relative died recently? It’s okay to be sad because you miss them, but remember that they’re with Jesus now. Their body has been left behind on earth, but their soul is in heaven with Him. One day, when Jesus returns to make everything new, He will give Christians perfect bodies that will last forever!

Today’s Key Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:8 We would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Your body is your shell