Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Mark 9:42-50

Mark 9:42-50 
English Standard Version 

  It's always startling for us to hear the seriousness with which Jesus considers hell.  We've largely relegated hell to the idea of a fairy tale, a threat to use when people behave badly.  We've turned Satan into a comic character or a Halloween costume, but the fear is gone, replaced with comedy.  
  And yet Jesus speaks of hell often, which makes me think that we should listen to what he has to say, and consider it more than just a fairy tale, more than an idle threat.  If the one who crafted the universe speaks of it in such tones that it's worth losing a foot than even entertaining the danger of going there, then perhaps a little fear in us is a wise thing.  Perhaps it will motivate us, and encourage us to take seriously things that are easy to put off for another day.  
  Think of the list of spiritual goals you have, and what can be done today that has been waiting?

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