Orville and Wilbur Wright are well-known for being aviation pioneers and credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first airplane called the Wright Flyer. On May 14, 1908, they took turns flying one of their mechanics as a passenger in an updated version of their airplane called Flyer III. They had acquired contracts for sale of airplanes to a French syndicate and the U. S. Army before taking Charles Furnas up into the air as the world’s first airplane passenger. The new version of their plane was modified with upright seating and controls, and a second seat for a passenger.
“Words from Above” in the Bible tell us that a man named Enoch was the first human to take flight into heaven itself. He was described as a man who walked with God, and one day God simply took him home to be with Him in heaven without meeting death. Years later, a prophet named Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire, pulled by horses of fire, also without meeting death. When God sent His Son Jesus to be born in human form, He lived on the earth for about thirty-three years before He was crucified, buried, and raised from the dead. Forty days later, He too ascended into heaven, being taken up in a cloud as His disciples and two angels watched Him go airborne.
One day, all faithful followers of God will likewise take flight into their eternal home as well, some after being raised from their graves, while some will be taken alive. In order to be eligible for this first flight into heaven, all earthlings will need to confess their sins to God, ask for His forgiveness, and invite Jesus into their lives. Jesus Himself will return from heaven in the twinkling of an eye to escort His followers on their flight to heaven. They will take on bodies like the glorified body of Jesus in order to join Him on this incredible journey.
Before the first passenger flight in an airplane could become a reality, the Wright Brothers experimented for about four years to improve their aircraft. When the faithful followers of God successfully complete their first flight to heaven, they will remain in heaven until Jesus returns to the earth one more time. On this occasion, He will bring the saints of God with Him to the earth to reign with them for a period of one thousand years. They will enjoy a golden age on earth during that time, and then this time they will take their final flight back to heaven, where they will remain forever and ever. Hallelujah. Amen.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For information, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.
.
`
