II Peter 3:13- "But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells." (ESV)
I recently finished preaching through II Peter for our churches mid-week services. As I got near the end of the Epistle, I came to this verse. Since I studied this verse, it hasn't been far from my thoughts. This verse was an unusual source of encouragement to me, and I hope it will be to you as well.
The word dwells is a pretty common place word, it carries the idea of "being at home." In other words in the new heaven and new earth "righteousness will be at home". Let me explain why this simple thought has encouraged me over and over.
If I am being transparent, righteousness isn't really always "at home" in my life. It is at war in and with my flesh. I struggle to do what I know I am commanded to do, and I often do what I know I am not supposed to do. When I was a kid I would think of heaven as this amazing place with gold streets, amazing jewels, etc. Then as I got older and understood more about heaven, I would think of heaven as being with Christ, seeing His glory and enjoying His fellowship. But that picture was hard to really relate to. My sin hinders fellowship with God in so many instances in my life that I have a hard time imagining being in the presence of God.
That is why I love the thought this verse allows me to dwell on (see what i did there =). In the future there will be a time, when righteousness dwells, and I will be there! I will be where righteousness is at home, where it is no longer at war with my flesh, no longer a struggle to do what I know I should do, no longer a struggle to offer God the worship He alone is worthy of.
So if you are struggling today, be encouraged! God's plan isn't just for this life, He is going to make the next one perfect! In the craziness of this life, let's start the process of letting righteousness be at home today, and look forward to the time when that will be an everyday reality.
