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Dangers Ahead!

by Bob Hostetler

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved (Hebrews 10:39, NIV).

The opening scenes of the movie Raiders of the Lost Ark depict the archaeologist/ adventurer Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) attempting to escape -- with a priceless relic in hand -- the tricks and traps of an ancient structure.

He hurls himself through danger after danger; several times he narrowly escapes death. As he runs, the earth rumbles beneath him and everything around him seems about to collapse. Whatever the dangers ahead, he knows that to slow down or shrink from them will only make his death certain.

Unlikely as it may seem, those scenes parallel the Lord's invitation to salvation.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews warned that to shrink from following Christ invites "a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God" (Heb. 10:27, NIV).

There are, frankly, many challenges and obstacles that may seem daunting to the person who is confronted with the condition of his soul and is invited to follow Christ; we know that many tricks and traps await such a person on his journey. But whatever the dangers ahead, to slow down or shrink from them would only ensure destruction.

Prayer: Lord, let me never again be among those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.

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