The Mouse Who Died Twice

Bible Reading: John 3:3-8, 16

“Grandpa, can you tell me another Africa story, please?” Allison asked.

Grandpa smiled as he thought of his childhood as a missionary kid in Congo. “Did I ever tell you about the mouse who died twice?”

“No,” answered Allison, scooting closer to her grandpa on the porch swing.

“Well, one evening a missionary was walking home through the African jungle with her pet cat when she saw what looked like a branch blocking her path. Holding her light closer, she was shocked to see it was a snake. She cried for help, and a man with a big machete was quick to come to her rescue, chopping the snake in two. To their great surprise, a live mouse crawled out of the dead snake. Before anyone could say a word, the missionary’s cat pounced on the mouse, killing it quickly. So, that wee little mouse died twice in one day—first eaten by a snake, then killed by a cat.”

“Oh, the poor mouse!” Allison said sadly. Her eyebrows furrowed. “But, Grandpa, the mouse didn’t really die twice. It survived being eaten by the snake but then was killed by the cat.”

“You’re right,” Grandpa said. “But even so, it became known in the village as the mouse who died twice. In a way, people can be like that little mouse. Each of us will die once at the end of our lives on earth, but Jesus made it possible for us to live even though our bodies die. He gives eternal life to those who trust Him to save them from sin. But if we reject his gift of salvation, we will die twice—once here on earth, and then again in a second spiritual death that will separate us from God for all eternity. Even though our bodies die on earth, we don’t have to die twice. We can trust in Jesus and have eternal life with Him.”

“I don’t want to die twice!” said Allison.

“I know you’ve heard the story of Jesus many times, Allison,” Grandpa said gently. “But have you trusted Him as your Savior?”

“No, I haven’t,” Allison said, looking up at her grandpa. “But I’m ready to now.”

“Then why don’t I pray with you,” said Grandpa. Allison nodded, and they bowed their heads together. Karen McMillan

How About You?

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? He died on the cross for your sins and rose again so you could be saved and have eternal life. Everyone faces death once in this world, but you don’t have to die twice. Trust in Jesus today and begin a life with Him that will last forever! (To learn more, click the “Good News!” button in the right column of this page.)

Today’s Key Verse:
Hebrews 9:27 Each person is destined to die once and after that comes judgment. (NLT)

Today’s Key Thought:

You don’t have to die twice