Summary: For days after Cory and his family visited the Kennedy Space Center, Cory talked of nothing but the space program. "It would be cool to be an astronaut," he said. "It must have been really cool to be on that very first flight into space!" "Cory," said Dad, "did you know that space travel has been around since Jesus' time?" "Aw-w-w, Dad, you heard the guide," objected Cory. "The first manned space flight was made in 1961." "Read this." Dad handed Cory a Bible opened to the book of Acts. "Read verses nine through eleven of the first chapter." Cory silently read the verses. "So you see," said Dad with a grin, "Jesus went up into heaven--space travel!" Cory laughed. "Okay . . . space travel, but a different kind," he said. "Right," said Dad, "and Jesus is coming again someday. When He comes, all who have accepted Him as Savior will be taken up to heaven to be with Him-- making them space travelers, too." "But not like the space travelers we heard about at the space center!" exclaimed Cory. "No," Dad agreed. "For example, the guide at the center said the government spent millions and millions of dollars on the space missions, but our space travel will be free." "Cool!" Cory exclaimed. "It's free to us, that is, but don't forget that it cost Jesus a great deal," Dad added. "He gave His life for us, taking the punishment we deserve. He paid the price for our salvation so that those who accept Him as Savior can go free." Cory nodded. "The astronauts need special clothes, too," he observed, "but we won't need space suits--nor helmets, either." "Nope," said Dad, "although God does refer to our salvation as a garment and a robe of righteousness. So in a sense, only those who have on their special space suit of salvation will be taken to heaven." "I have mine on!" Cory said with a grin. Dad smiled. "I'm glad," he said, "and I have mine on, too." How About You? Will you take a space trip when Jesus returns? Are you wearing the salvation space suit? You receive it when you believe that Jesus died to take the punishment for your sin and you trust Him to forgive you and save you. (See the ABCs of Salvation at the right.) Make sure you'll be ready when Jesus returns. Today's Key Verse: He (God) has clothed me with the garments of salvation . . . with the robe of righteousness. (Isaiah 61:10) Today's Key Thought: Be ready for Jesus' return
