The Ultimate Heat Wave, 5

I look into my future and see countless magnificent choices. I could scale a mountain and stand fearlessly on its peak or effortlessly explore the ocean’s depths without a scuba tank. I could skydive (gearless!) and glide through the galaxies, hearing the stars sing. Maybe I’ll walk through the grass barefoot and discover a flower or creature I’ve never seen. Will I hear a melody not previously known or understand a language I’ve not been taught? Perhaps I’ll reunite with a former friend, meet a faith hero, or converse with someone from the Bible.

Of this I am sure, my senses will be sharp and clear, able to experience new sounds, colors, and sensations. My knees won’t hurt and my strength won’t fail. My mind will perceive thoughts and facts I cannot now imagine. New discoveries await me, and everything I encounter will be pure, clean, enthralling. My joy will soar, my intellect will satisfy, peace will envelop me. But wait, I’m getting carried away. Back to our topic. Before this wonderful life begins in the next world, this one must end—and it will do so in the ultimate heat wave. Look at 2 Peter 3:10.

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 everything done in it will be laid bare [be burned up].

This reminds us just how temporal Earth is. Lest this distress you, remember that our future is an upgrade. It is not less, but more. It’s more than the inadequate picture I painted in my opening paragraphs, but I cannot stretch my mind far enough to describe it better.

Peter follows verse 10 with a question: “Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?” Pause and calmly think about that.

The answer to his question is given a few verses later:

“So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this,
make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with Him.”

I look forward to Jesus’ return. I am at peace with God. I long for the beauty He will bring out of ashes.

Come, Lord Jesus, come.