Bible Reading: Ezekiel 45-46; 2 Peter 3
Memory Verse: “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13 (KJV)
A day after celebration of Christmas in 2004 when people were expected to open their various gift boxes, the unthinkable happened! There was an Indian Ocean tsunami and in a matter of hours over two hundred and twenty five thousand people were dead! This was the worst in the history of tsunamis in the world. When the video was played, it was a very sad and horrifying experience. People were shouting, crying and wailing as the water was carrying them away to death! You can imagine the pain those people went through.
The people celebrated Christmas the previous day and had plans of what to do the following day but that was not to happen! This experience gives one an idea of what the people of Noah era went through when the original earth was wiped out by flood! Then people were merrying when the rain started and were eventually wiped out the earth! The Bible puts it succinctly in 2 Peter 3:5-6 (KJV), “For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water: [6] Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished:”
God who did that because of the sins of the people is warning the world that He will destroy the current earth by fire! And fire is more deadly than water; it is therefore critical that whatever will make you to avoid such roasting by fire, it is better to go for it! Furthermore the fire afterwards will not be quenched but will burn continually! Our Bible reading of today says in 2 Peter 3:7 (KJV), “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.”
Fortunately, only those who have not lived a life of holiness will go through this fire. The fire would be so hot that it will melt all elements in heaven and on earth. 2 Peter 3:12 (KJV) makes it clear! “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?”
For others who have kept their garment unstained, they will enjoy peace in a new environment. Both those who were living at that time and those who had departed the earth without any blemish will be ushered into a new environment where righteousness will be the standard. 2 Peter 3:13 (KJV) declares, “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Which one are you preparing for? Your lifestyle will answer the question.
Prayer point: The grace to maintain a stainless garment till the end of my earthly race, give unto me oh Lord!
Bro. Biodun Oyapero