“But the Day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the earth and the works on it will be disclosed” (2 Peter 3:10 HCSB).
While this verse describes the dissolution of the material universe, there is another aspect of this passage that should not escape our attention. When the elements of this universe are dissolved in this manner, they will take every aspect of human society (both ancient and modern) with them when they go.
As human civilizations have developed, it’s worth considering the remarkable achievements of humanity. From the metropolises of the world and their architectural wonders, to the technological advancements of modern-day society, we can look upon the extraordinary breadth of human achievement with great admiration.
For instance, there are talented and gifted human beings who have made outstanding contributions to music, culture, and the arts. Current and former athletes are widely recognized and admired for their exceptional abilities. Learned scientists and amateur inventors have contributed to technological breakthroughs of every sort. Skillful medical practitioners continue to rescue others from the ravages of disease. These achievements are rightly celebrated and should inspire us to express our thankfulness to the God who has blessed us with men and women who possess these exceptional capabilities.
Yet, in the words of Jesus, “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35 CSB). Thus, every material achievement of humanity will pass away with the heavens and earth when they dissolved. But Jesus’ teachings, and the works inspired by them, will live on. With this in mind, Jesus’ counsel from Matthew 6:19-21 bears repeating…
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).
Our text from 2 Peter 3:10 reminds us that the best investments are the ones that are made in view of eternity. We should thus prioritize our business endeavors, our finances, and our material possessions in light of these things. As we read in another portion of Scripture…
“Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:18-19).
Image Credit: Investments by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Alpha Stock Images