-JOYFUL
REUNION

2 Timothy 4:1-8
----
He who testifies to
these things says,
"Surely I am coming
quickly." Amen. Even
so, come, Lord Jesus!
--Revelation 22:20

SOME years ago when our children were still small, I flew home after a 10-day ministry trip. In those days people were allowed to visit the airport boarding area to greet incoming passengers. When my flight landed, I came out of the jet-bridge and was greeted by our little ones--so happy to see me that they were screaming and crying. I looked at my wife, whose eyes were teary. I couldn't speak. Strangers in the gate area also teared up as our children hugged my legs and cried their greetings. It was a wonderful moment.

The memory of the intensity of that greeting serves as a gentle rebuke to the priorites of my own heart. The apostle John, eagerly desiring Jesus' return, wrote, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming quickly.' Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!". In another passage, Paul even spoke of a crown awaiting those who have "loved His appearing" (2 Tim. 4:8). Yet sometimes I don't feel as eager for Christ's return as my children were for mine.

Jesus is worthy of the best of our love and devotion--and nothing on earth should compare to the thought of seeing Him face-to-face. May our love for our Savior deepen as we anticipate our joyful reunion with Him.
-----
Those who belong to Christ
should be longing to see Him.

ODB/BC