Today’s Bible Reading:
1 Chronicles 29
2 Peter 3
Micah 6
Luke 15
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
2 Peter 3:10 (CSB): “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
The verse that I’ve chosen for today sounds negative. It sounds harsh. But it’s a day that I can’t wait to arrive!
It speaks of the day when a fireball from Heaven will incinerate everything that God created in Genesis 1-2. The fire will burn up everything from the largest galaxy to the smallest atom.
2 Peter 3:6–7 (CSB): “Through these the world of that time perished when it was flooded. By the same word, the present heavens and earth are stored up for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”
Why is this necessary? Because of Genesis 3. When Adam and Eve sinned, their sin and its corresponding consequences and curse brought destruction upon God’s creation.
So, God has set a day in the future when He will completely destroy everything that exists. God’s Creation has been tarnished by sin and it cannot be repaired. It has to be destroyed.
That’s what the verse I have chosen for today speaks of.
But, my friend, there is coming a wonderful day soon after this day of destruction. When everything is burned up and no longer exists, something else will happen! God will create everything all over again!
Revelation 21:1–2 (CSB): “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. I also saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared like a bride adorned for her husband.”
Friend, I cannot wait(!) for that day. Imagine being on a brand new earth where there is no sin, no sin’s consequences, and no sin’s curse. Imagine a world where work is a pleasure. Imagine a world where there is no sickness, sorrow, pain, or death. Imagine a world where every single inhabitant is a person of integrity, compassion, and every other wonderful quality.
Further, imagine a world where Heaven has come to earth, a place that could literally be called a “Heaven on Earth.” God will live among His people and we will enjoy Him forever on a brand new earth that we will inhabit forever.
Friend, I read a book about 10 years ago that explained what the Bible had to say about our eternal home. As the author unpacked what the Bible says about our future Heaven on Earth, I found myself longing to be there like never before.
I realized that our future Heavenly home isn’t going to be a long church service. Instead, it was a new opportunity to live on a brand new earth with people who are completely righteous. Everyone has been perfected and lives according to the laws of love.
Matthew 22:37–40 (CSB): “He said to him, ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.’”
If you want to read more about our future Heavenly home, just read your Bible. If you want to read an incredible book that compiles and explains most of what the Bible has to say about the future Heaven, purchase Randy Alcorn’s book, “Heaven.” It’s easily one of my top 10 books of all time!
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Lord Jesus, I am looking forward to being with You forever! While I intend to make the most of the life You have given to me, I look forward to the day when I can be rid of this earth and it’s troubles along with my own sinful propensities. I look forward to being perfected and living on a brand new earth forever with You and the other redeemed saints. Help me to live in such a way that I am getting ready for that New Earth. I pray this in Your Name. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 