“Then, together with them, we who are still alive and remain on the earth will be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. Then we will be with the Lord forever.”—1 Thessalonians 4:17 (NLT)
Last Sunday we had a family reunion at my brother, Vince’s home. It was the first time we were all together with all the nieces, nephews along with all of their children. There were 14 children from 6 weeks to 5 years old. With adults it was a total of 35 people.
My son and his family move to Japan for his job in January. They will be there for 2 years. Last weekend was the best date to get all of us together in one place before they leave. I had high hopes we would be able to go to my mother’s assisted living for one last family photo with everyone, however with nap times, it proved too difficult to do.
Instead, we went to visit her at different times over the weekend. While it would have been nice to have that photo, with her Alzheimer’s, it doesn’t take much to overwhelm and over stimulate her. If it was meant to be, God would have cleared the way for it to happen.
I have shared before how God sends cardinals typically associated with my father. The day after the reunion, when my sister-in-law was pulling into her driveway, there were multiple cardinals (she counted at least 12) all over her yard where we had stood the prior day for our big family photo. (above photo is part of what she saw)
We felt as if God sent us that “reunion” of cardinals as a reminder that we all carry a piece of my dad in our hearts. What a gift knowing the presence of our loved one who believed in Jesus remains with us even after their earthly death. We carry his memory with us while at the same time look forward to the day we meet again.
Which got me thinking of my opening scripture, 1 Thessalonians 4:17. This passage offer us hope for reunion with our loved ones. One day, as believers in Christ, we will be united with God forever.
I don’t know about you, but it comforts me to look forward to seeing God’s faithful followers in my life who are no longer physically here with me. Jesus’ promise of eternal life for His believers provides that hope that we be reunited in eternity. Death is not the end for us. We don’t face death with fear but with assurance of our eternity with God.
Father God,
Thank You for gift of family. I give You praise for a big and loving family reunion. I lift those up to You whose families are fractured and filled with strife. May You bless them with other brothers and sisters in Christ to fill that void in their lives. I give You thanks that my death here is not the end. Those who trust in Jesus will live forever. One day I will be reunited with Jesus and celebrate in heaven with those who have gone before me. I pray these things in the mighty name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
October Verse
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”—Matthew 7:24 (NLT)
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