February, 2007

Dear Friend,

My wife and I recently had the joy of re-establishing contact with friends from many, many years ago who live in another part of the country and whom we've not seen for over twenty years.  We are eagerly anticipating, in connection with my ministry travels, visiting and spending a few days with them in their home in a little over a month; what a pleasure that will be.  I am certain, though, of two things:  One--In spite of a twenty year separation, we will "pick up" in our relationship where we "left off" when we were last together (the sign, I believe, of a true friendship).  Two--The few days will fly by far too quickly and we will regret that we need to part company again when there is so much more to be said and done.

As believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have His promise that we will someday be reunited with those believing friends and relatives who have preceded us in death and from whom we have been separated, in some cases, for many, many years; what a day of rejoicing that will be!  How wonderful to know that our time together then will not be limited and that we’ll not be separated from them ever again, but rather we will forever be in their company around His glorious throne.

In a prophetic snapshot (Revelation 7:9-17) of the Tribulation Saints in Heaven, John the Apostle provides a glimpse of our earlier Heavenly reunion which will include innumerable saints "of all nations, and kindreds, and peoples, and tongues."  Jews and Gentiles, co-members of the Church of Jesus Christ, with one loud voice will proclaim,

Salvation to our God who sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.  (Rev. 7:10)

Can you imagine the joy of knowing that the Lord used you among His human instruments to accomplish His divine purpose of redemption?  That joy will not fade with time, but will persist as we "dwell in the house of the Lord forever."