Scripture

“In accordance with his promise, we wait for new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness is at home.” 2 Peter 3:13

Reflections

Some think that humanity will bring about a more perfect world.  We will learn from our bad choices.  We will improve upon ourselves.  We will create a more perfect union.  Everyone will learn to live in harmony.  Racism and poverty will be no more.  All the species at the verge of extinction will be restored.  Our air will be clean.  Our oceans will no longer have floating masses of garbage.

No doubt, we have been entrusted to care for God’s creation.  It is the right thing for us to still work to care for our earth.  In Genesis, Adam and Eve were placed in the garden to care for it.  But as we also find with Adam and Eve, they weren’t the best at following instructions.

Thousands of years have passed.  We still have not fully learned from our mistakes.  It’s even taking a toll on God’s beautiful creation.

What will the end be like?  The image we find in 2 Peter is one of total re-creation.  At the end of this age, the heavens and earth as we now know them will be “set ablaze and dissolved, and the elements will melt with fire” (2 Peter 3:12).  This is a very sobering image.  Yet, given what we see happening around us, it makes sense.  At the same time, we know that the One who created in the beginning has the power to re-create.  We wait for new heavens and a new earth.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you that the ruin we bring upon ourselves is not the final word.  Help me to continue to do the right thing as I await your making all things right.  In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Full Reading: 2 Peter 3:11-13