Thursday, September 7, 2023

           Much is said and written about the “end times.”  Many books have been written from practically any perspective that one could imagine.  The topic of the end times has spawned quite an industry or information and materials—some good and some not.  While Revelation and Daniel are most often associated with those seeking to know more about the end of days, there are other passages and authors who address the end of history too.  In his own words, Peter is one such figure.  He wrote, “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).   A few matters stand out for us to see.
            First, Peter affirmed that there will be “last days.”  Time will end.  The existence we now know will be transformed and changed.  We should not be surprised to read this conclusion.  Scripture faithfully testifies that there will be an end.  Jesus confirmed this reality too.  We should be resistant to setting dates and times because we do not know such details.  We trust the “last days” to God to carry out as He wills and pleases.  But in general terms, we affirm that there will be an end.  And this end will come as God chooses.  Our job is not so much to know when but to be prepared for the Lord to return for His people at any moment.  Any particular day could be THE DAY. 
            Second, Peter issued a warning.  He said there will be “scoffers” in the last days. This word “scoffer” can mean those who mock, those who deride or ridicule others and those who teach false doctrines and beliefs.  Scoffers are real.  You may even know or recognize a few.  You could probably call some names.  The apostle wants us to know that there will perhaps be a surge in false teachings and a surge against the truth of Scripture.  The enemy, Satan, is a deceiver.  It is important to recognize that he will do whatever he can to turn people away from truth to any number of alternatives.  The devil will be happy for you to worship and believe anything you like just as long as your worship and beliefs turn you away from truth, Scripture and the gospel of Christ.
            Third, these scoffers will kick truth to the curb in favor of “their own evil desires.”  They will prefer their passions and pursuits to the purity of God’s Word and ways.  There really are only two possible courses to follow in life.  Jesus explained those two ways.  Our Lord said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).  One way is the way that follows Christ and leads to life.  The other way is practically anything else.  One is narrow and the other is wide.  One is filled with people while the other has a leaner crowd. Peter’s warning is for us not to substitute our whims and wishes for God’s ways.
            Fourth, Peter said that as the last days approach, many will discount and dismiss the idea of Christ’s second coming.  In a ridiculing tone, they will ask “where is this coming?”  But Peter answered this objection a bit later in chapter three.  He wrote, “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 3:9).  God’s patience does not mean He has broken His promise.  The Lord’s delay in returning should not be turned into doubts or denials that He will return at all.  God’s timing is never subject to our approval or preferences.  And God’s patience allows time for all to hear the good news of His grace, forgiveness and the new life that can be found in Christ alone.  We want to be sure that we do not allow ourselves to be duped into thinking that God has broken faith or His Word with us.  We trust that His return will be at a time of His choosing. 
            It is easy to become discouraged if, or when, we encounter some of the challenges that Peter described.  Yet, in such times, faith has to take over and we trust that God will bring us to the end that He has chosen and it will be right and good.  The preacher Charles Spurgeon once said, “To trust God in the light is nothing, but to trust him in the dark—that is faith.”  Indeed, God calls us to trust Him in the dark times or the times that may not be as clear and as decided as we would like them to be.  As we wait for the Lord to return, Peter told us what to do.  He wrote, “But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen” (2 Peter 3:18).  He tells us to grow—in both grace and knowledge.  Fill up both the heart with what God wants you to be and the head with what God wants you to know.  And secondly, bring glory to Him in all that you pursue and do.  Have a great day!