UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN
Luke 15:20-24
20 So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
Today is a very special day in Michigan. November 14th is the day before the opening day of deer season. To me it is the best day of fall. Those that hunt and join in a hunting camp are gathering all over the state with friends and family. Some haven’t seen each other for 51 weeks. It is a time of hugs and laughs the likes of which generally comes at a family reunion. There might not be blood relationships here… but it is a family, a family that lives and cares for the needs of each member.
There are some missing this year. Some have other commitments, some have medical issues and some have passed away. They are all present in our hearts, that’s what family is.
In Luke 15, above, we read about a son that left home for a long time. He had left his family and taken an early inheritance and lived “the good life” for a while. When the money ran out, he no longer had “the good life” and decided to go home and work as a servant for his father. We see that his father was so overjoyed to have his son back that he threw a celebration. We can imagine what a joyful reunion it was.
As Christians we also have the joy of anticipating a very special reunion. We not only have an eternal hope, but an amazing assurance of what is to come. We have no doubt that we will spend all eternity with our extended Christian family. Scripture says, in 1 Thess. 4:16-17.
"And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord". (1 Thess. 4:16-17)
Now that's a family reunion! Someday we’ll experience a reunion that never ends. We will never say goodbye or even, until we meet again. Praise God!
The week or so before my dad passed away, I held his hand as I left for home and said I good night. The last couple of evenings that he was conscious I told him, “Dad, I’ll see you in the morning. If you’re not here, I won’t be far behind. I’ll see you then”. I knew that when he left this life, he would be in heaven. I also know that life is racing past and it won’t be long until I will see him again and we will be in eternity together.
Christians never say "good-bye"; just "until we meet again!”
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