I just said good-bye to some family who live far away. Because of the great distance between us, we only see each other at major life events – weddings, big vacations, stuff like that. We get together, make memories, have a blast, and then we don’t see each other for years. Usually we just pick up where we leave off. On one hand, it’s like no time has passed. On the other hand, you can’t deny that things have changed.
I remember the first time we met. We were still little, playing Kerplunk and Battling Tops for hours, hoping to get our favorite piece of chocolate from the ever dwindling box, learning gross and obnoxious things to do at a restaurant that would really annoy our parents. The next time we saw each other, we were in the spring time of life, full of energy and bushy tailed optimism, perhaps witnessing a major graduation. The next time it was someone’s wedding. After that, maybe a funeral or two. The faces are the same, but maybe a little puffier, a little more wrinkled, a little less hair, or maybe the hair is turning a little gray. Yet, we’re the same people, but some of the nearest and dearest are gone. They have passed on and are not here with us any longer. New generations rise up. Babies become teens, who soon become career-minded adults with kids of their own. Time defers to no one. One moment, we have all of our lives bright and shining ahead of us. The next moment, we’re saying good-bye to someone, never to see them again this side of eternity. You realize that there’s never enough time to love, to laugh, to be together, to enjoy one another’s company. Time’s relentless march brings us ever closer to good-bye. Always … Good-bye.
But for those of us who know the Lord, there is always a glorious footnote to this passing shadow we call life. Quite the contrary to the famous song, we are not just “dust in the wind.” The radiant hope of the Good News of Jesus Christ is that Death is a vanquished foe. The grave has lost its victory. Merciless Time itself, will bow to Him who is above all time. All because of the redemptive grace and forgiveness of the Son of God Himself, we are promised a place with Him forever and ever, a great and glorious Paradise for all eternity. We will be together with loved ones and heroes of old, and have limitless time to savor, to dwell in the existence of pure light and love. To all who believe in Christ, that is where we are going. That is our Home.
It is this glorious hope that allows us to persevere through pain, keep going when we feel like giving up, and to stay our course through the storm. And yet, I realize that for some of us, you may not have this assurance of hope. Let me share with you that you can know beyond any doubt that you have a place in eternity with God Himself. The Bible says, “But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12 (NLT) Although we as a human race have been separated from God by our self-will and selfishness (Romans 3:23), He offers redemption and reconciliation through Christ. “God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him will have eternal life and never really die.” – John 3:16 (CEV)
This is a free gift from God that no one can earn through their own merit. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.” – Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV). Each of us can know this unshakable hope by merely entering into a relationship with Jesus. “If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Romans 10:9 (ISV).
In fact, Jesus Christ Himself is hoping this very moment you will take Him up on His offer: “Listen! I am standing and knocking at your door. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in and we will eat together.” – Revelation 3:20 (CEV) If God’s Spirit is prompting you, let me implore you to open your heart and enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ right now.
If you’re a long time believer, perhaps you can think of a dear friend or family member who doesn’t know Jesus personally. Pray for an opportunity to share with them the amazing hope that we can be together forever in Heaven with God.
Here’s to the Reunion that will never end. Hope to see you there!