Last week, like millions of other television viewers, I was captivated by the li
ve coverage of the Chilean miners’ rescue. After a 69-day ordeal of being trapped 2,000 feet underground, the mine workers, initially feared dead, were reunited with their loved ones. It was a spectacular moment to witness, a testimony of love, support and endurance.
Most of us can relate to the exuberance of a reunion. Oh! The joy and anticipation of the arrival…eye contact that requires no need for conversation… the smiles…the hugs…the tears …. And yet, for every reunion, there is its preliminary counterpart: the dreaded good-bye.
Who hasn’t bid a teary farewell to a student leaving for college, a husband departing on a business trip, or a family member visiting from out of state? Sometimes the adieu is unexpected or tragic, when terminal illness and death occur. Very few individuals look forward to saying good-bye; however, there is an exception.
Saying good-bye to this present world is actually a home-going celebration for the Christian, a joyous reunion with family and friends who have preceded us. But—best of all—our heavenly Father awaits us, longing for our permanent return. In Second Corinthians 5:8, Paul confirms that: “We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.” The grandest of all reunions will take place on heavenly turf!
This exact hope is the fundamental event we have yearned for, and serves as the source which supplies us with courage and strength in times of despair and wavering. To bask in the glory of God’s Holy presence, means we will never have to be separated again and good-byes never need to be uttered again.
“And so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1Thessalonians 4:17b).
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