War had broken out, and young men marched to the battlefield with courage in their eyes and hope in their hearts. Among them was Private Samuel J., a quiet, humble soldier known for his kindness. He carried a worn little Bible in the pocket of his uniform — a gift from his mother.
One evening, after a fierce battle, Samuel lay wounded on the cold ground. The noise of war had faded, replaced by the slow, heavy silence that comes when life hangs by a thread. A chaplain rushed to him and knelt beside him.
“Son, can I help you?” the chaplain asked.
Samuel struggled to speak, but a faint smile crossed his face.
“Sir… I’m going home.”
The chaplain thought he meant his earthly home. “We’ll get you back to camp. Hold on.”
But Samuel shook his head weakly.
“No… I mean Home. The one Jesus promised.”
He reached for his Bible, stained now with dust and blood.
“My mother told me, ‘If you ever face death, remember Psalm 23.’ So I opened it this morning before the battle. ‘Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil… for Thou art with me.’”
His breathing grew slower.
“I’m not afraid, sir. Jesus died for me… I’m ready to meet Him.”
A tear slipped from the chaplain’s eyes as he held the young soldier’s hand.
“Is there anything you want me to tell your family?” he whispered.
Samuel nodded.
“Tell them… I trusted Jesus. Tell them… I’ll see them again.”
With those words, a deep peace filled his face. The chaplain closed the boy’s eyes and prayed,
“Lord, receive Your soldier into Your eternal rest.”
IF IT WERE YOU!
The dying soldier had no strength left, no time to start life over, no chance to make things right — only a Savior to hold on to. And that Savior did not fail him.
You may not be on a battlefield, but every human heart faces a greater war:
the battle between sin and salvation, life and death, eternity and judgment.
The Bible says:
“It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27
But God, in His great love, has made a way of escape:
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son…” — John 3:16
Like the dying soldier, you can have peace — not by your strength, good works, or religion, but by trusting in Jesus Christ, who died and rose again to save you.
If this were your last moment, could you say with confidence, “I’m going home to be with Jesus”?
You can — right now.
Pray sincerely:
“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I cannot save myself. I believe You died for me and rose again. I put my trust in You today. Forgive me, save me, and make me Yours forever. Amen.”
If you prayed this prayer with faith, the Bible says you have passed from death to life.
Just as the chaplain delivered the dying soldier’s message, this article delivers a message to you today:
Life is short. Eternity is sure. Jesus is calling.
Do not delay.
Choose Him now!
The Lifeline 