Verse: 2 Peter 3:13-14
But in keeping with His promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.
Devotion:
In the last chapter of the book of 2 Peter, Peter reminds His fellow believers of the promise of a new heaven and earth that God has made. He encourages them not to just wait, but to eagerly anticipate this future reality. Today I’m reflecting on the question- do I live in a way that reflects the hope in this promise? Am I eagerly awaiting my eternal future with the Lord?
Before we dig into this question, let’s dig into what the new Heaven and new earth is. Peter assures His fellow believers that God will always fulfill His promises, including a future where righteousness will dwell. The concept of a new heaven and earth signifies a complete renewal and restoration of all things. It is a place where righteousness will reign, and all the effects of sin will be eradicated. In the end of earthly time, we will be reunited with the Lord in a perfect place that our human minds can’t even imagine.
This promise reminds us that the struggles and trials we face in this present world are temporary, even though they might not feel that way. Even when it doesn’t feel true, there is a glorious future awaits us. This promise brings hope and assurance to the hearts of believers, especially in the midst of a world filled with sin and brokenness. This brings me back to the first question- do I live as though I am eagerly awaiting this future?
I wish I could say yes, I live everyday of my life with my eyes set on my perfect, eternal future with the Lord. Unfortunately, we live in a broken world and that isn’t the case. There are so many things that surround us daily that fight to take our eyes off our Savior. We experience so much stress, heartbreak, and sickness in this world. The Lord provides us with community, His Word, His Spirit, and worship to remind us of His goodness and to reset our eyes on Him.
As believers, we are called to live with a sense of anticipation for this perfect, pain free, renewed future reality. We are to eagerly look forward to the day when God will make all things new and whole. This hope should shape our attitudes, actions, and priorities in the present. Listen to the nudging that the Holy Spirit gives you, reminding us of our hope in situations that the world would label hopeless.