Just prior to takeoff, passengers aboard Flight 34 from Los Angeles to New York got an interesting call from “above.” Captain Rodger Findiesen used the public address system to ask all the believers in Jesus to raise their hands. Then the voice coming from the overhead speakers implored all those who raised their hands to share their faith with the passengers seated near them.

Not all on board were pleased with the Captain’s faith-motivated instructions taking wing on their flight. His airline even launched an investigation into the “incident.” You have to feel for Rodger, he had just returned from a Christian mission in Costa Rica and perhaps was a bit overzealous.

Put yourself in the place of one of the believers in Jesus on Flight 34 that day. Whoa! Talk about pressure . . . but also an open invitation to share your faith! The door was thrown wide open because one man was passionate about others receiving eternal life.

Jesus gave us repeated instructions to tell others about the salvation He has made possible. Here’s a partial list:

• “Go, preach this message: The kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 10:7).
• “Go and proclaim the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60).
• “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:3).
• “Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring in the poor, the crippled, the blind, and the lame” (Luke 14:21).
• “I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will last” (John 15:16).
• “Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19).

Did you notice the little word that Jesus used again and again? Don’t wait for the captain of an airplane to give you permission for takeoff. Your Captain, Jesus, already has. Go! —Tom Felten

bottom line: Jesus died for me—will I go to others for Him?

Soul Journey, Copyright 2004 by RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Used by permission.