As one of six children, family reunions are events that I greatly look forward to. We are all busy with our jobs and our own families, so to be able to spend quality time together is a treat. Our shared experiences and similar perspectives on life make for wonderfully uplifting conversation. Of course, there are many who dread family gatherings, and this is often because of differences in personalities or interests. Sadly, for such people the aim is simply to make an appearance and leave without causing further family friction.
We have thought much in these articles about God’s family. For those who have become part of His family, the verse quoted above brings two items of good news. Firstly, there is a great reunion coming soon: “we shall see Him as He is.” Additionally, the coming reunion will be free from family feuds, because “we shall be like Him.”
Repentant sinners who place their faith in Christ have the prospect of a coming day when they will enter the presence of their Heavenly Father. They will see their Saviour and be made like Him. This does not necessarily mean looking like Christ physically, but they will bear His likeness in both attitude and action. They will be free from the effects of sin in their bodies and their lives.
It is the most wonderful hope for the Christian, to know that we will gaze upon the Saviour in person. We “shall see His face” (Revelation 22.4) and know the warmth of His smile. I can only imagine what it will be like to look into the eyes of the One who sacrificed His life for me! What will I say? Will I be able to utter a word? The Bible paints a very tender picture of that coming day: “God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21.4). For the believer, it will not be a day of terror, but of love and joy.
Incredibly, we will not be limited to that one moment in our Lord’s presence: “We shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4.17). For all eternity we will know the reality of fellowship with our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Only then shall we truly know the fullness of what it is to be children of God. It is a reunion not to be missed! I hope to see you there.
