A big step for humanity

Am 21In July 1969, astronaut Neil Armstrong left the lunar module and walked on the moon. His words were: "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." It was a monumental historical moment for all of humanity – man had walked on the moon for the first time.

I do not want to distract from NASA's amazing scientific achievement, but I still wonder: what did these historic steps on the moon help us do? Armstrong's words still sound today - as before, but how did his walking on the moon solve our problems? We still have war, bloodshed, hunger and disease, increasing environmental catastrophes due to global warming.

As a Christian, I can say with complete conviction that the most momentous steps of all time, the ones that truly represented "giant leaps for mankind," were the steps Jesus took from his grave 2000 years ago. Paul describes the necessity of these steps in the new life of Jesus: "If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and the guilt of your sins remains on you." (1. Kor 15,17).

Unlike the 50 years ago, the world's media were absent, there was no worldwide coverage, it was not televised or recorded. God does not need man to make a statement. Jesus Christ was raised at a silent time when the world was asleep.

Jesus' steps were truly for all humanity, for all people. His resurrection declared the defeat of death. There can be no greater leap for humanity than conquering death. His steps guaranteed his children forgiveness of sins and eternal life. These steps as the risen Christ were and are certainly the most decisive in all of human history. A gigantic leap from sin and death to eternal life. "For we know that Christ, having risen from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over him." (Röm 6,9).

That man could walk on the moon was an amazing achievement. But when God died through Jesus on a cross for our sins and sinners, and then to rise again and walk in the garden, was the most important step for humanity.

by Irene Wilson