John 11:25 – Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live." (NKJV)

From January 1967 until December 1970, we lived in Vienna, Austria. At that time, Vienna had two major-league soccer teams, one near to where we lived and the other not too far away. Quite often on a Saturday afternoon, our young son and I would go and watch a game. We really enjoyed those times together: the pleasant weather, the roar of the crowd when things went well for the home team, the groans when it did not, and the skill of the players at that level of competition.

In October one year, we were watching a game, when suddenly there was a lot of commotion behind us. We turned around to have a look, and two rows behind us, a gentleman had collapsed. Within minutes, a couple of paramedics were there, and after some time trying to revive him, they decided that they could not, and they took his body away.

I turned around and sat back down, and in front of us was the green playing field, the players in their colourful kit, and the sun shining on it all. What a contrast from the gray scene behind us a few minutes before, when we were all bent over to see what was happening. Suddenly, it dawned on me that while a human being was passing away, the game went on. Just those of us who were seated near him knew that this had happened.

I didn't know anything about this man, whether or not he had a wife, a family, siblings, friends, or colleagues, but I do know that from that day on, nothing was the same for them. From a human point of view, he had died and was gone.

But we know that Jesus went to prepare a place for those who trust Him when that happens.

John 14:2 – In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. (NKJV)

John 6:47-50 – Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that one may eat of it and not die. (NKJV)

Those of us who believe in Jesus as Saviour and Lord are assured through Scripture and faith that when life on earth is over, life goes on in heaven. How encouraging that is!

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, we thank You for eternal life through faith in Jesus as Saviour and Lord. We offer this prayer in His name. Amen.

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About the author:

Joel Jongkind <austria67@bmts.com>
Meaford, Ontario, Canada
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