Fully Devoted: New CreationSample

The Space Between

The end of the Bible is really just the beginning. The story of Scripture follows God’s redemptive plan to rescue humanity from sin and restore creation. It’s a story that takes place in six acts: Creation—The Fall—Israel—Jesus—The Church—New Creation. 

Right now, we’re living in Act 5: The Church, as we await Jesus’ return and the reunification of heaven and earth in new creation. But, if you remember, it was in the fourth act—Jesus—that the entire story changed for good. Because it was through Jesus that the Kingdom of God broke into history. It was on the cross that Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness and broke the curse of sin. It was through His resurrection from the dead that He defeated the powers of hell. Now anyone who puts their trust in Him is forgiven of their sins and made right with God. This is the good news Jesus introduced. 

So, if all that was accomplished through Jesus, why is the world still broken? 

On June 6, 1944, the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy and won the battle that ultimately decided the outcome of World War II. That event is known as D-Day. But it wouldn’t be until almost a full year later, on May 8, 1945, that the war in Europe would finally be over, a day known as V-Day. 

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the decisive battle against the forces of darkness has been won, but the war is not yet over. We’re still looking toward the day Jesus returns to finish what He started, and New Creation fully arrives.

But why the space between? What’s taking so long? 

Some of the earliest Christians were asking those same questions. They didn’t understand what God was up to or why Jesus hadn't returned yet. Many of them expected Jesus to return within their lifetime. So, as the years dragged on, their enthusiasm and hope began to fade into discouragement and skepticism. 

Some opponents saw this as an opportunity to take advantage of. They began preying on discouraged believers and trying to feed their skepticism. 

In one of Peter’s letters, he wrote to remind the believers of the truth and to challenge them to stay faithful: 

Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 2 Peter 3:3-4 NIV

He goes on to tell them: “But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:8-9 NIV 

Let’s break this down one part at a time to help us understand what Peter is trying to communicate. 

    1. In the last days ...

What does Peter mean when he says “the last days”? He’s talking about the period of time between Jesus’ resurrection and His return. Jesus’ primary message throughout His ministry was that the time had finally come for the Kingdom of God to come on earth as it is in heaven. And just like a mustard seed, it starts small and grows slowly, but eventually, it will grow so expansive that there will be enough room for everyone.  

This is exactly what Jesus told us would happen. New Creation wasn’t going to arrive all at once with a crash and a bang. Instead, New Creation would arrive slowly and over time. Like a little bit of yeast in a whole lot of dough, it would start small, spread slowly, but eventually—fill the entire batch. 

The “last days” is not a reference to some obscure time in the future right before Jesus comes back. It’s a description of the time we live in now. The time between the old world passing away, and Jesus returning to make all things new. 

   2. A day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day.

God’s relationship with time is very different from ours. We are finite beings who live within the limits of space, time, and matter. God is an eternal being who existed before the universe was formed. He is beyond time in ways that we can’t fully comprehend. 

Peter is challenging us to take a step back and not try to force God into our timeline, because all that’s going to do is lead to confusion and disappointment. This doesn’t mean we can’t ask questions or discover some of the reasons why God does things when He does—of course we can. God invites our questions. It’s just a helpful reminder to trust that God is good and He knows what He’s doing, even when we don’t. 

   3. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

Here it is. The answer to our questions. Jesus is patient. He doesn’t want anyone to perish, but for everyone to accept His offer of forgiveness and healing. The day is coming when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead, but before He does, He wants to give people as much time as possible to repent and put their trust in Him. 

So, what do we do while we wait?

… You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming.  … 2 Peter 3:11-12 NIV 

Journaling Questions  

• What verses stand out to you the most in today’s reading? Write them in your journal.  
• What does God’s patience show you about His character?  
• Write down three ideas about what you think it could look like to wait well. Try one of them this week. 

Memory Verse

He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” Revelation 21:5 NIV