This the apostle Peter has already affirmed in his letter:

1 Peter 1:24b-25a – The grass withers and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord endures forever. (NRSV)

This, says, Peter, "is the word that was preached to you". (1 Peter 1:25b NIV)

Why do people look so hopefully, but hopelessly, for that which doesn't have eternal value? Placing our hope in anything that does not last is to make a great mistake. Jesus tells us:

Matthew 24:25 – Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. (NIV)

Let us always remember that only the Word of the Lord has the promises of eternal life that have staying power. Let us not run behind things or goods that don't have value in eternity. How many kingdoms and empires have already passed into history? How many bosses, presidents, and sports or music idols are no longer remembered?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to look more and more for Your Word that lasts forever. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

In recent days, a report of scientists from the United Nations presented data on the heating of the earth, with serious consequences for the planet. The report predicts that the level of the oceans will rise because of the melting of the polar glaciers, a lot of islands will disappear, and the population of the cities near the seashores will have to change. All this is caused by pollution. It is very interesting that the same solar rays that support life for all plants and animals, now, because of the pollution, bring death.

This is similar to the results of the pollution — sin — in the life of humanity. God is all-powerful, both in His holiness and in His love. The same power that constrains His love fires His righteous judgement against sin. He is holy, and we must be made holy if we are to live in His presence. Our prayer needs to be, "God be merciful to me, a sinner!" (Luke 18:13 NKJV)

Revelation 6:14-17 – Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place. And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, "Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand? (NKJV)

In this passage, the prophet John describes the anger of God and those trying to flee from His presence. Psalm 139:7 affirms the impossibility of that escape: "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?" (NKJV) The pollution of life has one solution: Jesus. Let us think about this:

Hebrews 12:2 – Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (NKJV)

Prayer: Lord Jesus, save us from our sin. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.