Greater Space Travel
Probably few of us shall ever go to the moon. But many have the hope and full assurance of participating in a greater space flight which will take us far beyond. "The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we that are alive, that are left, shall together with them be caught up in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord." (1 Thess. 4:16-17.)
The amount of thrust required to blast the astronauts from the surface of this planet was tremendous. But when our resurrected Lord rose from the earth he merely willed it so. (Luke 24:51 and Acts 1:9.) The one who had created gravity calmly controlled it. Angelic space travelers announced to the mortal witnesses that Jesus would one day return as he had gone.
The spectators at the Cape saw the take-off, heard the roar, and felt the trembling earth. But their awe was far surpassed by the knowledge of divinity which thrilled those present at the other ascent. "They worshipped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy — blessing God." The anticipation of ascending as he did should arouse similar praise and joy in the hearts of his disciples now. Added to these is the comfort urged in the text.
Training and long and careful drill were necessary for the lunar flight. Mental and emotional discipline and conditioning were needed to make the travelers ready. Likewise, for the future voyagers to the New Earth preparation must be made. A cleansing process is required. Proper exercise must be taken. (1 Tim. 4:7-8) Also, a check-list has been supplied and a guarantee as to its effectiveness has been underwritten. (II Peter 1:10-11.)
It is a sobering thought that we shall be accompanied on the great flight by the faithful of all ages. But, far more profound is the consideration that Jesus himself is coming again to receive us unto himself and take us to his Father and ours in the place he has prepared. John 14:3. When he returns and descends we shall meet him and ever be with him.
The men who walked on the moon returned to this old world to live a while and die. The ones who are escorted by our redeemer to that world shall never die. All there will be incorruptible and immortal.
Any Christian may be asked if he expects ever to take a space journey. The answer should be a clear, "Affirmative".
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