7 And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.

8 Beloved, do not let this one thing escape your notice: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish but everyone to come to repentance.

10 But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare.

11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness

12 as you anticipate and hasten the coming of the day of God, when the heavens will be destroyed by fire and the elements will melt in the heat.

13 But in keeping with God’s promise, we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells.

— 2 Peter 3:7-13

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, peace, and joy from the Lord Jesus to you.

Everything in the universe continues to exist under God’s control and by His will. Yet our world and the far reaches of the vast cosmos will not continue forever. The present heavens and earth are reserved by God for fire—kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly. Why does Jesus seem to delay His return? With God, a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like a day. God created time and is not limited by it. The world continues because of God’s great patience and desire that all will come to repentance.

The day of the Lord will come unexpectedly, “like a thief.” Jesus will return and judge the nations based on His own righteous life. After the Lord’s judgment, we are encouraged to look forward to to the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. In the new heaven and new earth, God’s perfect righteousness will prevail because God will dwell there with His people. Peace, purpose, joy and satisfaction in serving God will never cease. This certainly rings true for God’s people in the day of the Lord.