One Small Step
‘Five decades ago tomorrow, Neil Armstrong stepped onto the powdery surface of the moon in humankind’s first-ever journey from one world to another’ Source - New York Times Friday 19th July 2019
This is a quite amazing statement in so many ways. Firstly, it’s true. Neil Armstrong was the first human to go from earth to the moon. What a celebration of the intelligence and tenacity of mankind! The planning, skill, relentless attention to detail and investment that made this trip possible was outstanding.
However, secondly, the statement is not completely true. There was another occasion where a journey was made ‘from one world to another’. The gospel hymn says it well:
He left the splendour of heaven, knowing His destiny, was the lonely hill of Golgotha, there to lay down His life for me
And if that isn't love then the ocean is dry, There's no stars in the sky, and the little sparrows can't fly, Yeah if that isn't love then heaven's a myth, there's no feeling like this, if that isn't love
Even in death He remembered the thief hanging by His side. Then he spoke of love and compassion and He took him to paradise
And if that isn't love then the ocean is dry, There's no stars in the sky, and the little sparrows can't fly, Yeah if that isn't love then heaven's a myth, there's no feeling like this, if that isn't love
Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Dottie Rambo
If That Isn't Love lyrics ? Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group
Bible verses such as 1 Timothy 1:15 express this fact - ‘this is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners’.
On numerous occasions, the Lord Jesus Christ stated that he had come from another world. For instance in John 18:37, Pilate, the Roman Governor, is questioning Jesus. Here is how the conversation goes: Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”’
Then again when talking to a crowd of ordinary people he said: ‘I am the living bread which came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever; and the bread that I shall give is My flesh, which I shall give for the life of the world,’ John 6:51
Or when debating with the Jewish leadership, Jesus made the following claim: ‘And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world,”’ John 8:23.
It took immense planning; which began long before this world was created. It was the result of a major investment and its success is measured in the effect that it has had on millions of souls.
But back to space travel and Apollo 11. What are the benefits of space exploration? Many would say that the benefit of space exploration is that it has improved the lives of many people on earth.
For instance, NASA states this: ‘Space exploration thus supports innovation and economic prosperity by stimulating advances in science and technology, as well as motivating the global scientific and technological workforce, thus enlarging the sphere of human economic activity - https://www.nasa.gov ? files ? files
Some of the everyday benefits of space exploration are:
- Improving our understanding of the human body. ...
- Talking on cellular phones. ...
- Measuring pollution. ...
- Creating jobs in technology. ...
- Monitoring climate change. ...
- Making scientific discoveries. ...
- Performing risky surgical procedures. ...
- Getting young people interested in science.
So what effect has the coming of Jesus had on the world. There has been such a dramatic effect it’s hard to know where to start. For example, our Western Calendar system is based on Jesus’ birth, 2019 years AD.
Nation’s, families and individuals have been transformed through the saving and transforming power of the gospel. One of the early preachers (Paul) wrote: ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new,’ 2 Corinthians 5:17.
Hospitals, Social Structures, woman’s rights, the welfare system, ethics and morals have been influenced positively by the arrival of Jesus from another world.
The costs and stakes were high but the results and benefits far outweighed the expense for both space exploration and the arrival of the Saviour of the world.
My question to you is: Are you ready to make the journey from this world to the next? Jesus came from his world (heaven) to ours so that one day we will make our final journey from our world to His.
Prepare to meet your God - Amos .4:12