37 lines
4.5 KiB
HTML
37 lines
4.5 KiB
HTML
|
|
<html>
|
|
<head>
|
|
<title>Blue Letter Bible: Day By Day By Grace — Bob Hoekstra</title>
|
|
<script src="../../../js/basepath.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/nav.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainHeader.js" type="text/javascript"></script><div class="head">
|
|
Day By Day By Grace
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="subhead">
|
|
Bob Hoekstra
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="desc-center">
|
|
<div class="pad2020">
|
|
July 22
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="main-just">
|
|
<div class="pad2030">
|
|
<h1>The Lord Promising a New Heaven and New Earth</h1>
|
|
<div class="block"><i>The Lord is <b>not slack</b> concerning <b>His promise</b>, as some count slackness, but is <b>longsuffering</b> toward us, <b>not willing</b> that <b>any</b> should <b>perish</b> but that <b>all</b> should come to <b>repentance</b>…Nevertheless we, <b>according to His promise</b>, look for <b>new heavens</b> and a <b>new earth</b> in which <b>righteousness</b> dwells.</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Pe', 3, '9-9');">2 Peter 3:9</a>, <a onClick="return mV('2Pe', 3, '13-13');">13</a>)</div>
|
|
<p>In our previous meditation, we considered Jesus' promise to return for His people. <i>"<b>I will come again</b> and <b>receive you to Myself</b>; that <b>where I am</b>, there <b>you may be also</b>"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Jhn', 14, '3-3');">John 14:3</a>). Many centuries have come and gone with that promise remaining unfulfilled. Consequently, some are inclined to scoff at this promise. The Scriptures have prepared us for this by giving us <b>another promise</b>. <i>"Knowing this first: that <b>scoffers will come</b> in the last days…saying, 'Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation'"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Pe', 3, '3-4');">2 Peter 3:3-4</a>). Nevertheless, we who believe God's promises are convinced that He will keep His word and return for us. When He returns, He will fulfill <b>another promise</b> as well: <b>the promise of a new heaven and new earth</b>. <i>"Nevertheless we, <b>according to His promise</b>, look for <b>new heavens</b> and a <b>new earth</b> in which <b>righteousness</b> dwells."</i></p>
|
|
<p>Two insights are offered here concerning the Lord's delay in His return. The first one pertains to God's compassion and patience in allowing more opportunity for people to repent and not perish. <i>"The Lord is <b>not slack</b> concerning <b>His promise</b>…but is <b>longsuffering</b> toward us, <b>not willing</b> that <b>any</b> should <b>perish</b> but that <b>all</b> should come to <b>repentance</b>."</i> The second insight pertains to God's perspective on time. For our eternal Lord, it is as though He made the promise of His return only a couple of days ago! <i>"But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that <b>with the Lord</b> one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('2Pe', 3, '8-8');">2 Peter 3:8</a>).</p>
|
|
<p>Yet, some day the Lord will fulfill His promise to return for us. Then, the new, eternal reality will come. <i>"Nevertheless we, <b>according to His promise</b>, look for new heavens and a new earth <b>in which righteousness dwells</b>."</i> It is delightful to consider! <i>"And I saw a <b>new heaven</b> and a <b>new earth</b>…And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, 'Behold, the <b>tabernacle</b> of <b>God</b> is with <b>men</b>, and <b>He will dwell with them</b>, and they shall be His people, and <b>God Himself will be with them</b> and be their God. And <b>God</b> will wipe away <b>every tear</b> from their eyes; there shall be <b>no more death</b>, nor <b>sorrow</b>, nor <b>crying</b>; and there shall be <b>no more pain</b>, for the former things have passed away'"</i> (<a onClick="return mV('Rev', 21, '1-4');">Revelation 21:1-4</a>).</p>
|
|
<div class="dbdbg_prayer">Dear Lord, I eagerly await Your appearing. I rejoice at the place You have prepared for us—a place of righteousness, joy, and peace. Above all, I anticipate dwelling in Your visible presence forever and ever, Amen!</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="desc-center">
|
|
<div class="pad2020">
|
|
<a href="./devotions/daybyday/07/0721.html">Yesterday's Reading</a>
|
|
<a href="./devotions/daybyday/07/0723.html">Tomorrow's Reading</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<div class="return"><a href="./devotions/daybyday/index.html">Return to Day By Day By Grace Page</a>
|
|
</div>
|
|
<script src="./js/MainFooter.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
|