On the Right Track

Bible Reading: John 3:16-18, 36

Passenger trains no longer came through the little town of Judson, but for the city’s anniversary celebration, a train was running on the old tracks once again. “Look, Dad!” exclaimed Brandon, pointing to a sign.

“Free rides!” Dad read aloud. “Climb aboard and enjoy an old-fashioned train ride to Rock Island.” So Brandon and Dad got on the train.

After they sat on the tracks for a while, Brandon asked, “Shouldn’t we be going by now?”

Dad looked around. “Maybe they’re waiting for more people to get on.”

Just then a conductor stepped into the car. “Guess you folks didn’t read the sign carefully,” he said. “This car’s not going anywhere.”

“How come?” asked Brandon in surprise.

“It’s on a side track and isn’t hooked up to an engine,” the man explained. “The train on the main track is the one we’re using. It will be back soon, and then you can have a ride.”

Brandon and his father felt a little foolish as they and several others got off the train to wait. “We got on that train fully expecting a ride to Rock Island, but we didn’t get there,” Dad observed. “We were on the wrong track and weren’t attached to the engine.” He smiled at Brandon. “You know, this isn’t the first time I’ve done something like this.”

“It’s not?” asked Brandon. “You mean you’ve sat on the wrong track before?”

“Yes,” Dad said. “For many years!”

Brandon’s eyes widened. “Years?” He couldn’t imagine waiting that long for the train to move.

Dad nodded. “When I was a young man, I was convinced that because I attended church regularly and tried to live a good life, I would go to heaven. I fully expected that my good deeds would get me there. But what I didn’t realize until years later was that I was sitting on the wrong track. I wasn’t connected to the engine.”

“Being connected to the engine means trusting in Jesus, doesn’t it?” Brandon said.

“Yes,” said Dad. “Only He can save us from sin and give us eternal life. We won’t go anywhere without Him.”

Hearing a train whistle, Brandon and Dad looked up and saw their train coming. “We’re hooked up to the engine now,” Brandon said as they boarded the train. “So we’re going somewhere this time!” (Ruth I. Jay)

How About You?

Are you on the right track to heaven—are you connected to the engine? The Bible doesn’t say you get to heaven by going to church, giving to the poor, being kind and helpful, or doing other good things. It says you must trust in God’s Son, Jesus. You must be connected to Him. Trust Jesus as your Savior today! (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Acts 16:31 Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. (NIV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Jesus is the only way to heaven