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.
Devotional:
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 that 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.
Peter ends this passage by telling the believers to make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with God. If you’re like me, when you read that you have the automatic reaction of feeling like a disappointment to God for not being perfect and blameless. Hear the heart behind this, friends, this is not a call to perfection, but rather a call to live lives that reflect the righteousness and holiness of God. It is a call to pursue a life of obedience and faithfulness, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. It is a call to live our lives so entwined with the Lord that we become more and more like Him daily. It is not condemnation.
Living in anticipation of the new heaven and earth also means living in peace with God. This involves cultivating a close relationship with Him through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance in all areas of our lives. It means surrendering our will to His and aligning our desires with His purposes.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for these reminders. Help us to remember that as we await the fulfillment of Your promise, we can strive to live as citizens of the new heaven and earth. Help us to be Let us be people who pursue righteousness, who seek to bring Your values into every aspect of our lives. Continue working on our hearts so that we may we be known for our love, compassion, and integrity, reflecting the hope You bring us to a dark, broken world. In Jesus name, amen.
Author: Becca Artymenko
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