Daily Readings and Thought for December 15th. “THE HEAVENS AND EARTH THAT NOW EXIST”
In Peter’s Epistle we read of “the heavens that existed long ago” [2 Peter 3 v.5] and “the world that then existed was deluged with water and perished” [v.6]. Of course the world and the heavens that were deluged did not perish – it was the people who perished so we understand the heavens to be the rulers and the earth the people they ruled over. (Notice how “heavens” occurs 5 times in this chapter)
Then Peter goes on to write, “But by the same word (God’s decree) the heavens and the earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.” [v.7] Then Peter is given, under divine inspiration, God’s perspective on the passage of time. He writes the challenging words, “But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” [v.8]
These words, written about 1950 years ago are potent with meaning for us in this 21st Century, so many see God’s word as being irrelevant to today; they dismiss them as ancient fables, without reading them. Note the words Peter adds, “The Lord is not slow to fulfil his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” [v.9] When the Lord Jesus comes “like a thief” i.e. totally unexpectedly, “then the heavens will pass away with a roar” [v.10] meaning that all the ungodly systems of human Govt will be overturned, “but according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” [v.13]
“Therefore, beloved, be diligent to be found by him without spot or blemish, and at peace … take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people … but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” [v.14,17,18] A major way to “take care” is to read God’s word every day.
