Scripture: 2 Peter 3:11-13
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
We are people of promise AND we have a promised land. The idea of a promised land was so important to the people of the old testament and our heavenly promised land is equally important to us and it is granted from the one who keeps his promises.
I love the property at 585 Georgian Dr. Columbus, Ohio where I grew up. And, I love the property at 890 North Pointe Drive, Twin Falls, Idaho where I live now. Do you have some favorite pieces of property or land? What makes them special to you?
The Promised Land: A Biblical-Historical View (Walter C. Kaiser, Jr. )
In the Old Testament few issues are as important as that of the promise of the land to the patriarchs and the nation Israel. Were it not for the larger and more comprehensive theme of the total promise, the theme of Israel and her land could well serve as the central idea. It holds a dominant place in the divine gifts of blessing to Israel. The Bible is most insistent on the fact that the land was promised to the patriarchs as a gift where their descendants would reside and rule as a nation.
But all of the land we love will one day pass away – no – it will be destroyed. We have an eternal land that will never go away – an eternal heaven. The only way to get there is through the Jesus transportation company. No one else knows the way.
Revelation 21:1-5 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!"
Isn’t it interesting how much more time we tend to spend taking care of our little pieces of earth compared to the time spent with the one who has not only given it to us, but has a far greater land for us that will last throughout eternity. Maybe we should consider cultivating a relationship with him the same way we do our garden – down on our knees.
Pastor Jeff Cooper
