January 19, 2009 - The Absolute Seriousness Of Sin

Meditation on Mark 9

In this chapter, we see the detailed description of Jesus' transfiguration. His clothes became shining, exceedingly white. Though the three disciples saw the appearance of Moses and Elijah at first, a cloud came and overshadowed them. God's voice told them to hear Jesus, the beloved Son of God. And the disciples saw only Jesus was left with them. God's son was far above the representation of the law and the prophet. (v. 1-13)

We also learned from the account of Jesus' casting out a torturing demon from a child that we could only accomplish that by fasting and prayers. (v. 14-29)

Then Jesus foretold His death and resurrection. But the disciples missed the significance of it and argued among themselves who was the greatest. So Jesus taught them servanthood in His kingdom. (v. 30-41)

The follow up warning by Jesus is so serious that we must pay attention today. Since the little ones are so important in His kingdom, those who cost them to stumble would have committed a great sin punishable by a death sentence. Jesus went on to emphasize that a hand or a foot should be cut off if it cost us to sin. And an eye should be plucked out if it cost a person to sin rather than having two eyes to go into hell. These words are to be taken figuratively since we know that self-mutilation would have no effect to deal with sin because it is an issue of the heart. We must deal with sin because hell is real and the punishment there is eternal. Three times Jesus described hell in this passage: "Their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched." (v. 44, 46, 48 NKJV)

That is why Jesus had to be nailed to the cross and died for the penalty of our sins so that we can be delivered from the torment of hell. Would you accept Him as your Savior and ask Him to forgive your sins? And do not engage in the habit of sinning anymore.