One Big Reunion - Martin Wiles

And not only for that nation, but to bring together and unite all the children of God scattered around the world. 

~John 11:52 NLT

As we turned out of the parking lot, I knew it would be the last time.

Both of my paternal grandparents’ sides of the family had annual family reunions, but my family rarely attended. I barely knew many of those who did—people who were my cousins once removed. Dad was a preacher, and the reunions took place on Sunday. To top it off, they ate at noon, just as church was finishing up for us, making it impossible for us to attend unless Dad missed a Sunday, which he wasn’t about to do. At least, not for a family reunion.  

Only on rare occasions did we attend our family reunions. And because it was so long between times when we did, it was difficult to talk even to the people I knew. Reunions were awkward experiences. Then one year, they told us it would be the last reunion. I suppose as the older generation died out, the younger ones decided they didn’t care to continue the tradition.

Jesus had a habit of stirring up the religious leaders and was at it again. Caiaphas, the high priest, suggested that one man die for the nation. That would be better than allowing the Romans to destroy the entire Jewish nation. Little did he know that he prophesied God’s plan that one person would do just that: die to unite all people together into one big family.

The heavenly reunion that awaits all who trust Christ as their Savior is, in some ways, like a family reunion. I was sometimes surprised by who showed up at reunions. Some we wondered about. No one knew them. Had they just wandered in? Some we don’t think will make it to heaven just might. We don’t know their heart, and God can do amazing things in the twinkling of an eye.

Heaven’s reunion will be joyous—as earthly reunions are. It was always fun to see and talk to aunts, uncles, and cousins I hadn’t seen in a year … or usually longer. Heaven will contain no sorrow. People were invited to my family reunions, and God charges us with inviting others to the heavenly reunion. How else will they know where it is or how to get there?

And this big heavenly reunion will take place daily in a comforting atmosphere—not just annually, as most family reunions do. No sin, sinful practices, or sinful people are invited. Just the saints of God enjoying each other and serving God forever.

Make plans now to attend the greatest family reunion that’s ever taken place.

Father, thank you for the invitation to attend your family reunion. 

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