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“Knowing Christ is the best thing that has ever happened to me, although winning the US Open was a pretty good second.”

Alison Nicholas

Ready for death

"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies". (John 11:25)

On 6 February 1958 a flight bringing the Manchester United team home from a European Cup game in Belgrade crashed in Munich killing 23 people including 8 players. This week on the 50th anniversary the newspapers are full of tributes, memories and interviews with surviving players (who include Bobby Charlton). The event is part of the reason for the interest in Manchester United across the world.

After the plane had stopped to refuel in Munich, it made two unsuccessful attempts to take off. As it made the third attempt to take off, survivors say that there was an atmosphere of fear and panic. One player laughed. Another said, "I don't know what you're laughing at. We are all going to die". Then another player, Liam Whelan, said: "Well if this is the time, then I'm ready".

Whelan has been dead for 50 years so it is impossible to verify but my understanding is that his comment came not from a sense of bravado but a faith that Jesus Christ was be with him in death as he was in life.

Death is the ultimate certainty for all of us. Only Jesus had the answer. Only Jesus could say "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies" (John 11:25) and "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise" (Luke 23:43).

As we reflect on these words, let us challenge ourselves: would I face the moment of death with confidence?

In the words of AM Hunter, "The question for the Christian is not when is the final whistle but am I in the right position to receive the ball?"

February 2008

Stuart Weir

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