God's Coaching #341

God's Coaching #341

Star players often receive the star treatment. They receive special privileges because of their tremendous skills. But when Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan suspended star defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth, he called it “an easy decision.” On this day in 2010, Mike suspended Albert without pay for the last four games of the season, citing conduct detrimental to the team. Albert was separated from the organization that hired him to be a star.

Almost from the moment he signed a record $100 million contract in February 2009, Albert was immersed in controversy. In the 22 months he spent with the Redskins before the suspension, he skipped off-season workouts, failed several preseason conditioning tests, was sent home from practice for disciplinary reasons, and complained about his role on the team. Finally, two days after Albert had missed a practice before a game against the New York Giants, the Redskins suspended him.

What’s the Score?

Teams suspend or cut troublesome players only as a last resort. Sadly, there comes a time after giving people many chances to repent when God has to separate himself from the wicked and condemn them forever to a place called hell. Hell isn’t mentioned much these days. It’s not a fun subject to talk about. But hell is a real place, and it’s important that we know about it.

Hell is a terrible place that the Bible calls “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14-15) and a place of “outer darkness” and “weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 8:12). What’s worse, hell is where unbelievers will be separated from God—forever cut off from his love and fellowship (2 Thessalonians 1:9).

Some people don’t believe in hell. “How can a just, loving God send people to such a place?” they ask. But we all deserve to be separated from God, because God’s holy justice requires punishment for sin. The fact that God allows anyone into heaven is a wonderful display of mercy and love. Christians don’t need to fear hell because God promises heaven to his children. But hell’s reality should cause us to be even more grateful that God offers salvation through Christ.

On the Ball

As terrible as hell will be, heaven will be amazingly wonderful. Draw a picture of what you think it’ll be like. Tell a non-Christian friend about Jesus. It could be a life-saving moment for that person.

Coach’s Comment

He will come with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 2 Thessalonians 1:7-9