I read a story not long ago which someone wrote about the late, great Reverend Billy Graham. I loved to hear this man preach. I have read this story many times and have written about it before, but it is worth repeating.
He had great stories to tell and every one of them would end with an invitation to know Jesus personally. I have been to his library in Charlotte, NC, several times and hope to go again soon. There are videos throughout his library portraying him and the messages that he brought to millions and millions of people all over the world – God Loves You!
The story speaks of him in his later years of life just before his 93rd birthday. He suffered from Parkinson’s disease; however, he was invited to a function in his honor. He was not expected to give a major address but to just come and be honored by the leaders in Charlotte, NC. He accepted the invitation and after others had spoken wonderful things about him, he stepped to the podium to say a few words.
He told a story about the great Physicist Albert Einstein, who had been honored by Time Magazine as the Man of the Century. Mr. Graham told of a time Einstein was travelling by train from Princeton and when the conductor came around to punch his ticket, Einstein could not find it. He searched his pockets, he searched his briefcase, looked all around him to no avail. He could not find his ticket.
The conductor told him, “I know who you are Mr. Einstein and I know that you bought a ticket.”
Einstein had travelled on the train many times before and the conductor knew he always bought a ticket. The conductor moved on down to the next car and when he turned back Einstein was on his hands and knees looking under the seats for his ticket. The conductor walked back to him and said, “I know who you are, no problem. You don’t need a ticket. I am sure you bought one.” Einstein looked back at him and said “Young man, I too know who I am. What I don’t know is where I’m going.”
Mr. Graham then spoke about the suit he was wearing. It was a new one and the one that he would be buried in. He told the crowd that when he dies, he doesn’t want them remembering the suit he had on, but he wanted them to remember this, and I am quoting what he said: “I not only know who I am. I also know where I’m going” May your troubles be less, your blessings more, and may nothing but happiness, come through your door. “Life without God is like and unsharpened pencil – it has no point.” May each of us have lived our lives so that when our ticket is punched, we don’t have to worry about where we are going.
What is your life like? Do you know where you are going? One day your life on this earth will end and then where will you be? Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and enjoy the peace and comfort that He provides for us. When you do this, then you know where you will be going and that will be with Jesus in your heavenly home!
Prayer: Thank you Lord Jesus for loving me. I pray that all my family, friends and neighbors know you personally and will know for sure where they are going when they are called home. Amen.
