Yet He has not left Himself without testimony to His goodness: He gives you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.”

— Acts 14:17

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

8 But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day.

9 The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some consider slowness, but is patient toward you, not willing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.

10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be found out.

11 Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness,

12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens burning will be destroyed, and the elements will melt with intense heat!

— 2 Peter 3:7-12

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

We all admit that in this universe created by God so much of creation fascinates us-brilliant galaxies, unexplored ocean depths, the birth of a child. Life in this world is a wonderful gift, yet clear signs indicate that something has gone wrong. Wars and wickedness destroy us. Whirlwinds of nature and the ravages of disease bring death. Human relationships challenge us. The best intentions go wrong. Work that should fulfill us often becomes wearisome or idolatrous.

What is wrong? Can the world change?
God created the world as humanity’s perfect home, but sin shattered that perfection. Instead of never-ending fellowship with God, rebellion and alienation fill the earth. Death and decay have defaced creation.’ Sin’s consequences shout the outrage of sin against God’s holy character. For God to restore His creation, He must and will judge all sin. God will renew the world through judgment, removing sin and dwelling with His people.