. . . death spread to all men because all sinned. Romans 5:12b -

British Airways is normally a very trustworthy airline.

Normally.

About two weeks ago, 275 passengers were traveling from London to Hong Kong. As they were flying over the North Sea, the plane let loose with an automated message from its loudspeaker system. The message -- in a very calm voice -- said they were about to crash into the sea.

One passenger confessed, "We all thought we were going to die." Another added, "I can't think of anything worse than being told your plane's about to crash."

Quickly, the cabin crew corrected the mistake and assured the frightened passengers that everything was fine. Afterwards British Airways offered an apology to the passengers and began an investigation to discover whether the announcement had been a human mistake or a computer flub.

Thinking upon the incident, I have to admit I stand with the passenger who said there's nothing worse than being told you're going to die.

Well, there is one thing worse. That one thing worse would be finding out on Judgment Day you're not going to heaven.

If you're in a plane and it goes down . . . Poof! You live or you die. Either way, things are over quickly. But, if you're condemned on Judgment Day the time of punishment and reflection is going to be everlasting.

And "everlasting" is a very long time.

Thankfully, nobody ever has to receive that most frightening bit of news. The Savior Jesus Christ gave His life so all who believe on Him as Redeemer would be forgiven of their sins and declared forgiven and free.

Hearing you're going to live forever rather than die forever is the best bit of good news a person can ever get, isn't it?

I was hoping you'd agree with that. Let us pray:

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, today I give thanks that You have done all that was necessary to save me. Your life, Your suffering, death, and resurrection have reversed the words I will hear when You come back. Until that day may my thoughts, words, and deeds reflect my gratitude for Your great grace. In Your Name, I ask it. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: 2 Chronicles 24-26    2 Corinthians 11:1-15

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