Space tourist

January 22, 2007

By James Bevis

Recently the news media have done several stories on tourists who took a trip that was out of this world. The going rate for a trip to the International Space Station aboard a Russian rocket: a mere $20 million. I have to admit my first thoughts were a little on the negative side. That $20 million could have fed a lot of hungry children, housed homeless families, or supported needy widows and hard-working missionaries. But it wasn’t my money, so who am I to complain?

I plan to take a space trip one of these days that will make a trip to the space station pale in comparison. The apostle Paul, writing to the church at Thessalonica, wanted to clear up questions the members had concerning their loved ones who had died and about their own future. Paul assured the Thessalonians they had nothing to worry about.

“For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:16,17, NKJV).

The Lord Jesus Christ offers a much better deal than the Russians if you would like to take a space trip. It is traditionally called the “Rapture” or the “catching away” of the Christian church. Every born-again believer on the face of the earth is going to join Christ on that day. To join the waiting list there is no charge. God’s gift of salvation is free.

Have you made your travel arrangements yet? If not, you should today before it’s too late.

The Bible says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” (John 3:16,17).

Rev. James Bevis has worked for the Tennessee Department of Correction for more than 20 years and currently serves at the Wayne County Boot Camp in Clifton, Tenn.