I Do Not Want To Go To Hell
LENT 2024 | DAY 23
Mark 9:30-50 (NIV)
(Eric Ang, Chairperson, Finance)
I am in the last season of my life, having reached the age of 71. Looking back, I am very thankful for my many blessings but I have also have my fair share of regrets that I wish never came to pass.
Another year has passed by so quickly but it didn’t go unnoticed as I could see and feel my mortal body changing. Bladder control is one, dozing off ever so frequently is another. My foot remains on the accelerator but I am rapidly losing speed. Reality has set in. I am no longer able to do the things I can and wish to do.
My assigned scripture passage is a timely wake up call. How prepared am I when my life on earth is spent? Jesus is telling me that hell is not where I want to be: the worms that eat the people in hell never die, the fire there is unquenchable (verses 43-48 ERV). People there will be crying and grinding their teeth in pain (Matt 8:12, 13:42, 22.13, 24:51, 25:30).
How is it possible that I could land myself in hell when I chose eternal life over eternal death? This is because sinful desires which begin in my heart (James 1:14) can lead to a sinful life.
However, Jesus is reassuring me that it is not too late as there is hope in Him. Jesus loves me but hates sin. His death and resurrection (verse 31) give me power over sin and death. I can’t fight sin on my own but with God’s power, I can fight temptation. God will sanctify me through my faith (verse 49).
I do not want to go to hell. With whatever remaining time I have, this is my call to do the following:
1. Turn my eyes upon Jesus and look full in his wonderful face. This is the only way not to let sin have dominance over my life.
2. Enjoy my daily walk with the Lord. Savour every moment with Him. This is not the time to take a back seat and live a sedentary life on my own.
3. Use my remaining time intentionally. Be the salt that God intended me to be. Share the good news and the bad news as there are many who do not understand and do not ask.
Allow me to conclude my devotion with Psalms 27:4 that says it all for me: “I ask only one thing from the Lord. This is what I want most: Let me live in the Lord’s house all my life, enjoying the Lord’s beauty and spending time in his palace.”
DISCUSSION POINTERS:
1. What do you understand by this statement of Jesus: “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all”?
2. What must you do differently in order to be first in the context of Jesus’ words?
3. How do you ensure that you will continue to run the race well, and more importantly, finish it well?
