"The Great Reunion"

      It's been one of those months that will forever be etched in my mind.  On October 9th, Al Mangus, one of our elders, passed away suddenly.  Today, eighteen days later, a call came telling of the passing of a dear friend and former elder of the flock.  Though the passing of Tom was not as unexpected, it is still heartbreaking to those who knew and loved him.  These deaths have caused me to reflect on so many others . . . Dad, PapPap, Nanny, Mammaw, Uncle Bob, Bob Deemer, Sally Umble, Beryl and Jean Davis, Dick Abraham, Doc and Bob Oliver, my stepfather John, Uncle Roy, Ben and Emma Ferrell. . . and on the list goes.

     As I think on the lives of these who have gone to be with the Savior, I think about the impact that each has had on my life.  Godliness, servanthood, hospitality, joy, leadership, compassion, forgiveness, self-control, patience . . . each left some mark on my life; each passing left a void in my heart.  Voids that there seem to be more and more of; yet voids that need not be permanent.

    The hope of a Christian is an awesome thing.  With that hope comes the promise of a resurrection.  With the resurrection comes the promise of an eternal home in heaven.  And I honestly believe that when we reach that eternal home we will be part of the greatest, most amazing family reunion.  A reunion that cannot be fathomed here on earth.  A reunion with the loved ones from which we are now separated.  But that hope . . . that hope in the saving blood of a precious Redeemer can bring to us joy, even now as our hearts are heavy.

     "When We All Get to Heaven."  Must have sung it a hundred times growing up.  I really liked it because of the harmonies.  However, as the years go by I have come to love that song so much because of the breathtaking picture that it paints.

Sing the wondrous love of Jesus,

Sing His mercy and His grace:

In the mansions bright and blessed,

He'll prepare for us a place.

 

While we walk the pilgrim pathway,

Clouds will overspread the sky;

But when trav'ling days are over,

Not a shadow, not a sigh.

 

Let us then be true and faithful,

Trusting, serving everyday;

Just one glimpse of Him in glory

Will the toils of life repay.

 

When we all get to heaven,

What a day of rejoicing that will be!

When we all see Jesus,

We'll sing and shout the victory!

     Those who have gone before us taught us what it is to be prepared to meet our God.  The Bible teaches that not all will reach heaven because they have not prepared to do so.  Are you ready?  Have you prepared yourself as the Word teaches so that one day you can join in the Great Reunion?

-J. Watson