2 Pet 3:13 But according
to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which
righteousness dwells.
Have you ever looked
around at what is happening in the world and wondered, “Is there ever going to
be a time when there will be no more bad news to think about? A time where
there will be no more evil, no more tears and sorrow, just good things.” The
bible gives a resounding and positive answer to that question. The answer is
YES! Peter says so in this very verse.
This time will come
after the Lord returns. He will destroy the old heavens and earth and He will bring
forth a new heaven and new earth. That is promised right here in this chapter of
2nd Peter, as well as other places in Scripture. (Is 65:17,66:22) In fact, in
the book of Revelation, chapter 21, we find that the apostle John is privy to
seeing this whole event happen before it actually takes place! It comes in a
prophetic vision and since over 300 prophecies of the Bible concerning Jesus’
first appearing were literally and precisely fulfilled, I think we can be
certain that this prophecy will be as
well.
Many times,
Christians are castigated for looking forward to this time. We are told that we
should be focused on what is happening here and now and not be bothered about
what and when this will all take place. It has been said that we become “so
heavenly minded that we are no earthly good.” Well if it was true, that we
never did anything but daydream about what was to become, we would hardly be
carrying out the “great commission,” to make disciples of all nations.
Yet, Peter tell us
here, that we should be looking forward to that great day. In fact, in verse
12, he says that we should even be hastening it’s coming. How could we do that?
Can we make Jesus come sooner than later? Well, I personally believe that God
has set the time for this. The Greek word used for hastening means to “urge on.”
Remember when Jesus taught His disciples
to pray? He told them to pray this, “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth
as it is in heaven. (Mt 6:10) That is our part in hastening His coming. We urge God in
our prayers to bring this to pass.
Look closely at what
our key verse teaches us about this time. It says that righteousness dwells.
That means that the new heaven and new earth will be the place where righteousness makes its home. It will live there.
Can you imagine how wonderful it will be, to know that everything that happens from
that time on, will be RIGHT! In contrast, nothing that happens will be wrong.
That is why there will be no more sorrow or tears (Rev 21) but only joy!
This knowledge should
not make us less cognizant of our purpose here on earth, but more. Verse 14 of
this chapter says that since we look for these things, we are to be diligent in
our faith, to be spotless and blameless. If we are to be that kind of person,
we will be following the Lord’s
commands. We will be sharing the good news of the Gospel. We will be completing
the good works that He has prepared for us before the foundation of the world
(Mt 5:16, Eph 2:10, 1 Ti 6:18)
I encourage every
believer to take some time to reflect on these things and to anticipate the
return of our Lord Jesus Christ. We need to be reminded that this world is not
our permanent home. We have a place, secured for us by Jesus Himself, which
will be our home for all eternity. Now that is something to look forward to!
God bless you,
Coach
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