This week has been a special blessing for my family. My oldest daughter, Angelina, and her fiancé, Logan, visited us at home. It has been almost a year since we last saw her, and we have been eagerly waiting for this moment. Having all six of my children together again has brought much joy to our home. The laughter, conversations, and time spent doing things as a family have been a gift.
Yet, as joyful as this reunion has been, there is also a bittersweet reality. Angelina and Logan will soon return to Florida, and my younger children, while overjoyed to see their big sister, know the sadness of saying goodbye. Still, we are comforted by the hope that she will return. This mixture of joy in reunion and longing for her return reminds me of the disciples’ experience during Jesus’ final departure from His ministry on Earth.
Jesus’ journey to the cross was one of sacrifice and love. In Revelation 1:5-6, we are reminded of His ultimate act of redemption:
“To Him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood, and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father—to Him be glory and power forever and ever! Amen.”
Through His death on the cross, Jesus secured our forgiveness and gave us the hope of eternal life. Yet His story didn’t end with His death. Revelation 1:7 promises His triumphant return:
“Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all peoples on Earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen.”
This promise of Jesus’ return gave hope to the early church and continues to provide us with hope today. Just as my family eagerly anticipates the next time we will see Angelina and Logan, we should even more eagerly anticipate the day Jesus will return to gather His people.
The book of Revelation paints a glorious picture of this reunion. In Revelation 21:3-4, we are assured of the ultimate joy that awaits believers:
“And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.'”
As followers of Christ, this is the hope we hold on to. In the waiting, we are called to live faithfully, preparing our hearts and sharing the good news with others. Just as we cherish the memories of our time with Angelina and look forward to her next visit, we cherish even more the promise of Jesus’ return and live in anticipation of that glorious day.
The joy of family reunions is a glimpse of the eternal joy we will experience when Christ returns to gather His family together forever. Let us live with hearts full of anticipation and lives that honor Him.
So I ask, are you excitedly waiting for our King to return?
Frank D.