Revelation 21:1-3 – Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God." (NIV)
A couple of summers ago, my husband and I were taking my parents on an outing. I wanted to take them to the old farmhouse that had sheltered our family for one year back in the 'fifties, but I wasn't sure that I could find the right road.
"This way or that?" the question was repeated often as we searched for the right road.
"This way, I think, but remember I was still in grade school when we left here. Turn right. That's it! That's where the school used to be."
As soon as we turned down the windy dirt track, the memories came flooding back. "Dad, that's where you had a flat tire in your old Ford, and we ended up in the ditch." The luscious red apples hanging from the trees confirmed that we were in the right area. We turned left and drove up the lane to the old farmhouse, which was still standing.
"I'd like to see if the 'G' family are still around," my dad said.
Over the next hour, we enjoyed our visit with Mrs. G, who, fifty years later, was still living on the farm and managing the harvest of more than 2000 apple trees. She had seen my parents' names in the paper and was hoping that they would come for a visit sometime. The visit meant so much to the older people involved that it served to remind me of the joy of renewing old friendships here on earth, but, better still, the joy we will experience when we are reunited with friends and loved ones in heaven.
Prayer: Dear God, comfort us with Your promise of being reunited with loved ones in heaven. Amen.
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