Hope Abound Amidst the Scoffers

        There is an expression that goes, "'The pot calling the kettle black'.  It is a response often given when someone criticizes another for a fault they also have themselves.   The original seems to have ciome from Cervantes and Don Quixote but was first used by William Penn in English.  I find it difficult at times to discuss the sins  and general degradation of the world in which we live when I feel so inadequate to do so.  We are imperfect creatures and often fail to do what God instructs us to do.  The world system, which I seemed destined to observe each morning as I turn on the "computer news" is one that is filled with surprises and echos of  "I can't believe that this is happening" as a result of reading what took place just in the last day or so.  It makes the following passage even more true each and every day. Second Peter 3:1-3 says, "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:  That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour:   Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts," 
       Peter seems to be repeating the phrase of Paul as Paul wrote to Timothy in his second epistle in reference to the last day in chapter three.  Just when we think that things can't get any worse, they do.  Peter's declaration under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, declares what will happen in the last days.  This progression has been going on for a long time and as we read the local paper or see the news broadcast on radio and television, we see it is even more appropriate to declare that the last days have been upon us for some time. and are accelerating day by day.  Peter describes the day and it all fits together as we read and hear about "scoffers."   There have always been scoffers around.  They were present during the days when the Lord Jesus Christ walked upon the earth and they are certainly present in today's society.  As we realize that we are not perfect and feeling like the "pot calling the kettle black," we still have a great asset and that is the fact that the person who has believed in the Lord Jesus Christ has salvation and has an eternal destiny that is a sure promise from God.  Scoffers abound in this world and even in our own circle of acquaintances, but we have the Word of God and the confidence of the Scriptures which gives us hope.  The Word of God seems to be the only bright light in a world of darkness and therefore is that which gives us hope in the land of scoffers.  Praise God today that He gives us hope each day through His Word.