Flight to Eternity
As the Hollyword version of United Airlines Flight 93 (United 93) opens in the cinemas it will be interesting to see if the movie does justice to the personal stories of the real life characters. The major events of September 11 2001 are etched into our memories. But we need to remember that these events represent thousands of personal stories.
One heroic character is Todd Beamer. He was the young Christian man who tried to contact his wife and two young children by mobile phone. He ended up speaking to the telephone operator as credit and difficulties prevented him talking to his pregnant wife.
He asked the operator to say the Lord’s Prayer with him. He spoke of his faith in Jesus. Then he let the telephone drop and the operator heard him issue the final order to the men on board Flight 93, “Are you ready, guys? Let’s roll!” This fourth plane missed its target and Lisa, Todd’s wife, is convinced God was acting through Todd and the other passengers that day.
We do not look for a future that’s shrouded in vague predications and insecurity. Christ has died, Christ is risen and Christ will come again. Todd Beamer testified to the hope he has in Christ.
Our faith is grounded in the fact that the future belongs to Jesus Christ who made the ultimate sacrifice for each one of us.
Stephen Semenchuk