Read 2 Peter 3:1-7
Peter believed this “last days” discussion to be of utmost importance for us moving forward in faith. He isn’t discussing the “when” or “how” the last days will take place but tells of a sign we can expect. We may even be seeing good examples of Peter’s description today. He said, to expect people to be “mocking the truth and following their own desires.” You can’t turn on a news program or read news on the internet without seeing some group or individual challenging Christians and mocking the truth on which we stand. And with such a self-seeking society, people regularly follow their own desires seeking to “be happy” or to live “their” truth.
The truth Christians profess is Jesus, the Word made flesh. We know there is no other truth, yet we stand by and let other people do their “own thing” in the guise of “freedom.” Certainly, we expect the same courtesy to be able to speak the truth about Jesus, without being criticized or marginalized. Sadly, many Christ-followers keep quiet out of fear because we do take the heat for trusting Jesus.
Have you ever felt shut out for your faith? Perhaps you’ve been excluded because you’re one of “those” people. While it can be hurtful, we can flip that and feel sad for the ones who have left God behind, the ones who are taunting us. They are blindly walking through life, not focusing on the majesty of God or the power he gives us access to.
Do you think we’re living in the last days? I would say, “Yes.” But then Peter would have probably answered the same way. There will always be scoffers and people who don’t understand God and his mysterious grace. We’ve seen history repeat itself over and over again with the battle between good and evil. People for centuries have opted for their own way, rather than walk in the light.
In John 3:20, Jesus says to Nicodemus, “All who do evil hate the light and refuse to go near it for fear their sins will be exposed.” Could Jesus have been talking about these “scoffers” Peter is referring to? Those who do evil would certainly be no fan of the truth. Instead, those that ridicule the truth should be fearing their own judgment day. Peter says that’s “when ungodly people will be destroyed.”
How is this passage speaking to you today? Reflect on that and ask God to lead you deeper into the truth.
Let’s pray. Thank you, Lord, for giving us your word, the truth we can live by. I seek to walk in the light, in your will for my life. Help me to not be troubled by the people who look down on me for my faith. May I stand strong and draw closer to you, tapping into the power and discernment you have gifted me. Thank you for loving me in spite of my stumbles. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
