Family Reunion

Hosea 1:10 – It shall be said to them, "Children of the living God." (NRSV)

When my large family of four generations gets together, it is an action-filled event. Tents are pitched for sleeping, and there is much to do. The day might be spent fishing, and there is room to kick a ball.

It's not new to have to wait, for usually some will be late arriving. The set time goes by, then the first hour of waiting, followed by the second, with no explanatory phone call. I might look calm on the outside, but my thoughts speed from possible accidents to sudden illnesses and finally to prayer that all will end well.

Then there is the arrival. With outdoor lights on and lanterns lit, cars pull into the driveway, and soon everyone is talking at the same time, with stories about the delays and joy about the arrival.

I see in this a picture of the kingdom of God, the place called heaven, the everlasting home, where the heavenly host awaits the arrival of the family, the children of God. There is great rejoicing at the arrival of each soul redeemed by the Lamb of God, and gladness in the beauty of salvation for all who receive Christ. This homecoming of excellence is such as only God could arrange, and is the hallmark of His love. Our Father waits for the late arrivals — and there will be some, for while some are early, others come later.

Just as some of our family arrives by lantern light, there is the light of Jesus shining into the late night, in the same way that a lighthouse guides a ship to shore from a stormy sea.

The glory of God seeks the lost with passion. The love of Jesus is fair. The invitation is for all to come. The heavenly mansion is prepared, ready for the last of the lost to enter in.

Romans 5:8 – God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. (NRSV)

Prayer: God, our living Father, You have proven Your love for us sinners. Risen Christ, light the way home in the darkness. Thank You for calling us to follow Your Word, a lamp for our feet. Thank You that we are also called children of the living God. Amen.

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