12 December | EVERYONE
“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless." 2 Peter 3: 13,14
The father weeps in front of the inert body of his three-year-old son and wonders: "How long, Lord?" Every day, in every corner of the world, people touched by grief, like this father, ask themselves: "Why?" or "How long?"
These questions are not really intended to obtain answers, they are basically interjections born of suffering and helplessness in the face of the inevitable presence of pain and death.
Humanity suffers. They groan in the face of the crazed fury of wounded, uncontrolled nature. They weep in the face of their own wicked selfishness lost in the labyrinths of their madness. They suffer from the pain caused by diseases and scourges over which they have lost control.
Against this panorama of anguish and death comes the wonderful biblical promise of "new heavens and a new earth," like the morning dew.
"The earth promised to the meek will not be like this, darkened with the shadow of death and the curse. […] ‘There shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and His servants shall serve Him.’ (Revelation 22:3)" (Ellen G. White, Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, p. 17).
Take Action
In order for you to access the new full life, today's text implies that your disposition must have been purified. Otherwise, how would you enjoy yourself there; how could you feel at ease? Therefore, live already according to the values of eternal life! Sing "New Heavens and New Earth" (if possible, with your family).