Headed to the lake of fire

Revelation 21:8 lists some of those who will die a second death and suffer eternal destruction in the fiery lake: unbelievers who do not trust God, corrupt people (the word means you can’t stand the stench), murderers, immoral people (pornos), those who practice witchcraft, idol worshipers (which includes greedy and covetous people), and all liars (fakes).

Pretty much what you expect, right?

But there’s one more on that list. It even begins the roll call: “cowards who turn away from me.” (NLT)

The Greek word translated ‘coward’ is deilos. It means “timid, fearful.” It’s the word used in Matthew 8:26 of the disciples — “men of little faith” — who were afraid when their boat was about to be swamped by stormy waves.

Does that get as close to home for you as it does for me?

I think of courageous hearts — Syrian, Iraqi, Ethiopian, Egyptian — forced to kneel before evil men who demand they renounce Christ, yet they refuse … and their throats are slit because of it. Then I think of Christians in the West who are caving in when all they are facing is cultural pressure. I think of myself when I am facing what seem to be overwhelmingly impossible circumstances — like the children of Israel gazing at the fearsome giants of the Promised Land.

God’s Word says: “Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid of them! The LORD your God will go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6 NLT)

Adapted from this longer post.