Daily Devotional – Tuesday, February 14, 2023
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.
Revelation 21:8 (NKJV)
Do you know that cowards will not enter heaven? In fact, they will burn in hell! That is what John the Revelator states in Revelation 21:8: “But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.”
Fear Stifles Growth
This is a startling assertion. It is shocking to realize that God categorizes fearful people alongside murderers, sexual perverts, idol worshippers and other vile sinners. “But the coward does not hurt anyone. Even our laws do not condemn the weakling.” Many people reason this way.
Here are few reasons for God’s hatred of cowardice. One, fear keeps us from growing because we do not believe in God and in our abilities. Notice that John mentions unbelief alongside fear in his lists of sins that will shut heaven’s doors on human beings. As children of God, we ought to say like Paul, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).
Spinelessness Kills Dreams
Two, fear kills dreams. The coward sleeps on his dreams and does not wake up to implement them. God gives him lofty ideas that can transform human lives, and help the individual reach and exceed his potential. He walks on water at first but soon begins to sink because he watches the boisterous waves and fears to sink.
Three, the fearful person takes most of God’s gifts and talents to the grave. He deprives his fellow human beings of the riches that God wants to channel through him. As one commentator observes, the grave is the richest place on earth because in it are buried people who died with unutilized gifts and talents.
Why God Hates Cowardice
Finally, God hates cowardice because the fearful person will not talk about God to others. Jesus affirmed, “But whoever denies Me before men, him I will also deny before My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 10:33). The weakling will never stand for what is right. His thoughts and decisions result from external influence. He cannot witness for Christ for fear of ridicule.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, today I claim this promise “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:7).
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God bless you.
It has never brought such revelation to me.
Interesting, Pastor. God has a way of bringing out new insights when we meditate on His word.
Amen! And Paul reminds us That God has not given us the spirit of fear;2 Timothy 1:7.
May God help me so I don’t be enslaved to fear,
Amen, Doc