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John 11:52 – And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. (NLT)
As we turned out of the parking lot, I knew that it would be the last time.
Both of my paternal grandparents' sides of the family had annual family reunions, but my family rarely attended. I barely knew many of those who did — people who were my cousins once removed. Dad was a preacher, and the reunions took place on Sunday. To top it off, they ate at 12 noon, just as church was finishing up.
Only on rare occasions did we attend our family reunions. Because it was so long between times when we did, it was difficult to talk even to the people I knew. Reunions were awkward experiences. Then one year, they told us that it would be the last reunion. I suppose that as the older generation died out, the younger ones decided that they didn't care to continue the tradition.
Jesus had a habit of stirring up the religious leaders and was at it again. Caiaphas, the high priest, had a suggestion: let one man die for the nation. That would be better than allowing the Romans to destroy the entire nation. Little did he know that he had prophesied God's plan that one Man would die to unite all people together into one big family.
The heavenly reunion that awaits all who trust Christ as their Saviour is similar in some ways to family reunions. I was sometimes surprised by who showed up at reunions. Some we wondered about. No one knew them. Had they just wandered in? Some I don't think will make it to heaven just might. I don't know their hearts, and God can do amazing things in the twinkling of an eye.
Heaven's reunion will be joyous — as earthly reunions are. It was always fun to see and talk to aunts, uncles, and cousins I hadn't seen in a year … or usually longer. Heaven will contain no sorrow.
People were invited to my family reunions, and God charges me with inviting others to the heavenly reunion. How else will they know where it is or how to get there?
This big heavenly reunion will take place daily in a comforting atmosphere — not just annually like most family reunions. No sin, sinful practices, or sinful people are invited, just the saints of God enjoying each other and serving God forever.
Make plans now to attend the greatest family reunion that has ever taken place.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the invitation to attend Your family reunion. Amen.
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Thank you.
Amen Martin.
Thanks, Martin. I plan to be there!
Thanks, Martin, for this encouraging devotional. Blessings.
Don’t we all look forward to the Big Reunion! Thank you for your story to illustrate.
Yes, Martin! Looking forward to seeing you there since here on earth isn’t looking promising in these aging bodies. Gives me happiness and confidence as I read your good words here.
Make plans now to attend the greatest family reunion that has ever taken place.
Prayer: Father, thank You for the invitation to attend Your family reunion. Amen.
Thank you especially for the above lines.
Thank you.
Greetings Martin,
Thank you for another very mindful devotional. Yes, what a great reunion, we as believers have to look forward to. Christ truly has a great reward awaiting His people.
Blessings for your contributions to the Daily Devotionals.
(B.C.)
Good morning Martin,
Good words this morning, we may be surprised indeed. Just as an aside, my wife’s family used to hold annual reunions. They live literally all over the USA and Canada and these reunions were held in various places and cousins would come from long distances, in some cases they would last a week, but as time went by the older generation was no longer able to come or organize and as you said the young ones are not interested (enough).
Thank you for writing.
Thank you, Martin,
I love seeing in my mind the interesting things you write.
I’m not a fan of Family Reunions – except for the one In Heaven.
I can’t wait!
God bless you!