Family Reunion
Last April, my husband and I headed north to re-unite with family around my sister-in-love’s table. A gracious hostess, she opened up her heart and home for the invasion of her crazy family. The occasion was a solemn one — we gathered to honor the life of their mom. Ms. BJ’s children lovingly placed her next to her husband in the family plot and planted a beautiful blossoming tree to commemorate her life. Over the last year, the eldest sibling has served as executor of the estate — carrying out her final wishes to bless her family. Daily, her children honor her legacy by extending to others the generosity and kindness that Mom modeled for them. I have learned such rich lessons through their example.
This week, as I walked away from Easter, I thought about how I should live my life in light of the resurrection. How am I to honor Christ — since I am left behind to carry on His name? What a privilege to be a member of God’s family! What joy to know that one day we will have a heavenly divine reunion and gather around His table! As I was digging Into the Word yesterday, I discovered in Zephaniah 3 a spectacular testament full of precious promises. Each statement begins with our Abba Father saying, “I will”:
- I will take delight in you with gladness (v. 17).
- I will calm all your fears.
- I will rejoice over you with joyful songs.
- I will gather you who mourn and you will be disgraced no more (v.18).
- I will deal severely with those all who have oppressed you (v.19).
- I will save the weak and helpless ones.
- I will bring together those who were chased away.
- I will give glory and fame to those who have been mocked and shamed.
- I will bring you home again (v.20).
- I will give you a good name, a name of distinction.
- I will restore your fortune.
Did you see it? He will bring you home again — a family reunion sitting at His feet. No matter how far you have wandered, God will lead you back if you seek Him anew. What an inheritance we have to look forward to! He is mighty to save.
Q4U: What are you most looking forward to when you get to heaven? How do you seek to honor Christ’s name as a member of His family? What do you love about sitting at His table? I am looking forward to chatting with you in the comment section below.
Every Monday we will be working our way through Anne Graham Lotz’s 52-week study “Into the Word.” Hop on over to the 3dLessons4Life Blog Facebook Page to join us as we dig into God’s Word together.
Linking up with a like-minded sisters at Faith Filled Friday, Thought-Provoking Thursday, God -Bumps and God-Incidences, Soli Deo Gloria @ Finding Heaven and “Hear it on Sunday, Use it on Monday!”
Looking forward to reunions with loved ones, and seeing life the way He sees it without blemish . . finally. Zephaniah 3:17 was given to me but some of my heroes in the faith. That scripture is like a love letter from God and I am thankful.
I love that verse, too. Just this morning on the drive into work, I was thinking, “He is singing over me..” What a wonderful thought! 🙂
Oh my…this was incredible. I really needed this reminder today. Thanks so much.
Blessings to you♥
So glad you stopped by Susan. He is so good to us, isn’t He? 🙂
Family reunions are great but I am looking for that Great family reunion when the Lord comes for me..and what a day that will be…
Glorious day indeed! 🙂
Thank you! Zephaniah 3 is such a wondewul love letter to all of us. God really loves us and cherishes us! We really are on our way Home. Good to be on the way with you, sister. Abundant blessings!
Yes, a love letter — so true! 🙂
I am looking forward to seeing loved ones again and just rejoicing in the freedom of Christ. It is a wonderful thing to think about! Thanks for stopping by my place yesterday and sharing my post 🙂
It’s going to be the sweetest day ever! 🙂
Looking forward to seeing lost loved ones…yes.
Me, too! Every day a little more longing…
I also love this passage! And I needed to read it again today, so thank you SO much for writing it out for us! I just love the thought that HE rejoices over us with singing. . .He Sings! 🙂 Makes me want to sing right back to Him!
I love the passage, too! This time through I found so many other gems in there….
“How am I to honor Christ — since I am left behind to carry on His name?”
Such a wonderful question to ask myself. One way is through loving my family well. I want to show the world how a Christian wife loves her husband and loves her children. I fail often, so I also can show the world what it means to live with grace.
Thanks for making me think!
Yes, Lisa! It must start at home. I agree wholeheartedly.
I am looking forward to the party! I look forward to joining the eternal dance of love that the Trinity has danced together before time began. And joy, I look forward to joy. What a wonderful hope we have!
Best party ever! 🙂
What a beautiful post; thank you!
I look forward to… joy. Eternal joy. And Rest.
(Thanks for stopping by my blog today!)
Thank you, Anna! So lovely to “meet” you. 🙂
Thank you for your lovely comments on my recent post. I enjoyed your story of a family reunion and how you honored the mother of your family. At the recent funeral of my 100 years old mother, the guests came to the front to speak good words about our mother. It was a joyful time as we celebrated her life.
Beautiful, Hazel! What a legacy!
I love the promises of God’s word. So many people say things and don’t mean them but God is always true to His word. I look forward to being in heaven and leaving a world full of trials and suffering behind!
Standing on those promises!
Foremost I’m excited to see Jesus. I’m also excited about having a perfect body. I’ll be glad to trade my bad back, bad eyes, and bad teeth in for new ones. I also look forward to worshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I imagine it will be the coolest singing experience ever.
I always cry when I think about seeing Jesus face to face for the first time, but then there are no tears in heaven, so I am sure I will just be speechless! 🙂
I always love what you have to say. Your words draw me closer to Jesus. Thank you for this gift.
I am looking forward to reuniting with loved ones, and to meeting people that I’ve longed to meet this side of Heaven but didn’t get the chance to do so. I also look forward to what worship and praise will be like in Heaven.
You are such an encourager! Thanks.
I can’t even imagine how wonderful it’s going to be to worship with such abandon. Can’t wait!
This is lovely. I love, love this chapter.
To be honest, I have been thinking a LOT about heaven lately, and this is just a beautiful, timely picture of everything that is to come.
What a wonder!