2 Peter 3:3
“Know this first of all, that in the last days mockers will come with their mocking, following after their own lusts”.
There have always been mockers. Noah was teased while constructing the ark. Peter’s point is that mocking will become more popular in the last days. It will almost be institutionalized. We can see this today.
Darwin’s theory of evolution has given shelter to those who don’t want to believe in God. They now have some defense or reason to not believe. Darwin’s theory is called science. Even though it’s a theory that can’t be proven. Because it’s under the umbrella of science it gives a sense of legitimacy; as if it could be demonstrated in a lab. There are some very articulate people who espouse it. Many in this group have the power the microphone through the media and Hollywood. It give the appearance that theirs is the intelligence stance. All others are anti-science. There in is the mocking.
These skeptics say that if one believe’s the bible, they are anti-science. Others describe the bible as a collection of fables. So, anyone who has gone through public education has a slight bias against the faith. It’s as if we are training our young people to be skeptics.
The bible says all of us instinctively believe in God and His ways. Romans 2:14,15 says, “For when Gentiles who do not have the Law do instinctively the things of the Law, these, not having the Law, are a law to themselves, 15in that they show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness and their thoughts alternately accusing or else defending them.” We have to go against our instincts to not believe in God.
Why would someone work against themselves to avoid God? Today’s verse says that they are “following after their own lusts.” God is an authority. That turns off some. He gives some limits to behavior. That excludes more. Some don’t want to deal with Christ’s lordship. Others want to be part of the “cool crowd”. Those that are seen as the intelligencia usually belittle faith.
Many that go against God aren’t content to coexist with those of faith. That’s where the mocking comes in. I can still remember an actor’s rant against a public figure that believed the bible; creation in particular. He was indignant and very condescending. Mocking.
All periods thought that they were in the end time. The incivility in society seems to indicate that we are in the end times. God knows the time and will help us. Jesus was ridiculed by the religious, the powerful, and the commoner that opposed God. We can expect some level of mocking.
We are to respond gracefully to those that mock. Romans 12:20 speaks of the guilt felt by those who mock. That’s an uncomfortable emotion that would hopefully turn them from their behavior.
Lord, help us to be confident in our faith in spite of the response. Comfort us when mocked.