END TIME THOUGHTS
2 PETER 3:10-14
2 PETER 3:10-14 NKJV
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will melt with fervent heat; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. 11 Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be dissolved, being on fire, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.
14 Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless;
OBSERVATION:
Peter, writing by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, gives us a glimpse at what will happen at the end of the age.
He does not give us a timeline, only the end results. I have to admit I have always related to Peter's bottom-line approach. But he also instructs as to the way we are to live before these end time events take place.
The earth and heavens as we know it will pass away. It will be burned up. In effect, the world is temporary. What we see, feel, and experience will not last forever. So our response is not to fear and dread but rather to live with the end in mind. The temporary nature of our world should remind us to live separated to God and with a consciousness of Him that governs our actions.
No, we don't disregard or attempt to destroy this present earth. God has never advocated poor stewardship. But our emphasis is living with the eternal in our thoughts.
Because our present earth is not forever, we are reminded that our life here is not forever. Living with eternity in mind is a totally different thought process. We often act as if we will go on living our present lives forever. But this is simply not true. There is an end to life here on earth and an eternity. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. It will be better without the effects of the curse of sin. Righteousness will be the dominating effect.
So, with this in mind, we live in such a way that honors God and makes the best use of our time here.
Peter had a spiritual understanding of the temporal nature of our life. He calls death a departure and his body a tent.
That is a different way of thinking. But living with the end in mind helps us handle the present with greater strength. And anticipate a future that looks better and brighter.
PRAYER:
Dear Father, thank You for a glimpse of what is to come. Thank You that You have something better for me. Help me to live with eternity in mind today.