AUGUST 5.  John 14:3

“I wish I could have actually seen a space shuttle launch,” said Peter, one evening. “At school today, we had a film about one. It showed a lot of the stuff the astronauts had to do, and we heard clips of them talking to the space control centre. It was really cool, but it’s not like seeing it for real!”

“Well, Singapore will never send a space shuttle up!” said his brother, Patrick. “That’s true, but a Singaporean astronaut could fly in a US space shuttle!” replied Peter. “Not me,” chipped in their sister, Grace. “I wouldn’t like to wear those special uniforms they have to put on. They’re not very pretty!”

The boys laughed. “Who cares about that?” scoffed Patrick. “I do,” declared Grace, “and I’m not going on any spaceship, either. It might crash right back down to the earth!”

Mom smiled. “Are you kids aware that all Christians will participate in a lift-off someday?” she asked. “They will? Oh… you mean when Jesus comes, don’t you?” asked Grace.

“That’s right,” said Mom. “When Jesus returns, He’ll take all those who believe in Him to heaven. And it is for only those who have repented of their sins and truly have Jesus as Lord and Saviour. It’s called the Rapture, and it’s like a lift-off!”

Patrick nodded. “Without using a spaceship,” he said. “Or those ugly clothes,” said Grace.

“No, we won’t need those kinds of uniforms or spaceships,” agreed Mom, “and it will all happen much quicker than the spaceship launch. It will be as quick as a flash–or as the Bible puts it, in the twinkling of an eye.’ It will be a wonderful event when Jesus comes again.”

“Well, even if I never do get to take off in one of our spaceships, I’ll take part in the lift-off when Jesus comes,” said Peter. He grinned. “Who knows? Maybe I’ll get to do both.”

Thought: Will you take part in the special lift-off that is coming?

Prayer: I ask Heavenly Father for You to help me understand how important it is to trust in Jesus as Saviour. I know that when Jesus comes back in the clouds, all who have placed their faith in Him will rise to be with Him. This is such a wonderful promise, and I praise You for that in Jesus’ name, amen.