Planespotting

It’s been described as a once in a lifetime event. I’m talking about the COP26 climate conference, but not for the reasons you might think! Yes, these discussions have been dubbed by one newspaper as the “Summit to Save the World”, and Boris has said that COP26 can’t be a cop out in terms of lasting change. But it’s also attracting attention for a different reason. 

Plane spotters from all over the country have been descending on Glasgow Prestwick airport to see planes coming in from all over the world.

A Japanese 777, a Qatar Airbus and a Russian Falcon Jet were among others that touched down on the opening day of the conference. 

I’ve never really been into plane or train spotting myself. It does sometimes have a nerdy or geeky reputation, but isn’t there are a bit of a geek in all of us somewhere?! 

But what for you would be a once in a lifetime event? 

It may not be seeing Airforce 1 arrive in Glasgow. Perhaps it’s holding a grandchild in your arms for the first time? Representing your school or even county in a sport? Meeting the Queen at a Royal garden party? 

For Christians, the most important event in life is what we call being “born again”. It’s so important that Jesus said “you must be born again”. 

All of us are of course born the first time. As Jesus explained to a religious leader Nicodemus, being born again doesn’t mean getting back inside your mum, but it means having a whole new start with God. Being born again means that by a miracle of the Holy Spirit, new eternal life is given to you as a gift from above as you put your trust in Jesus Christ. 

If you’ve ever wanted to turn over a new leaf, Christians can promise one better, turning over a new life. It happened to me when I was 11 years old when I first asked Jesus Christ to come and fix me! And it can happen for you too if you come to Jesus and ask him to wash you clean. 

Would you consider asking Jesus for new life. That would be a once in a lifetime event that has far more lasting consequences than seeing the planes of the COP26 conference touch down, and even more lasting consequences than lasting climate change. 

Do get in touch if we can help in any way, and thanks for listening. 

Followed by “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver.

Charlie Newcombe 3/11/21