Topic: The Best Family Reunion Ever [RICK WARREN Devotional 13 february   2023]

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The Best Family Reunion Ever

BY RICK WARREN — FEBRUARY 13, 2023
FROM LIVING IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD

“There will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 (The Message)

When I was young, I didn’t really think about heaven that much. First, it seemed so boring—at least the way the world describes it. Second, it seemed like a long way off. And third, I didn’t have anybody there that I knew. But I know a lot of people who are in heaven now. I can’t wait to get there and be with them.

In heaven, we’re going to be reunited with our loved ones who love the Lord. Those who are in the family of God are all going to be there.

Who would you like to talk to first in heaven? Of course, you’re going to meet and worship the Lord first. But who are you excited to see next? Every believer throughout history will be there. Would you like to talk to Moses? You can! How about Abraham or Mary or Paul? I don’t know about you, but I definitely have some questions for Jonah. You’ll see famous people from throughout Christian history and scientists and world leaders and people from every tribe and nation. You’re going to have all of eternity to talk with them!

The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “There will be one huge family reunion with the Master” (The Message). Can you imagine how emotional, how joyful that’s going to be?

My mother is in heaven, my father is in heaven, my older brother, Jim, is in heaven, and my youngest child, Matthew, is in heaven. I have many dear people who served with me in ministry in heaven. The more of my family and friends who are on that side of death, the dearer heaven becomes to me.

1 Thessalonians continues like this: “There will be one huge family reunion with the Master. So reassure one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:17-18 The Message).

Are you encouraged by the thought of being in the presence of Jesus and reunited with your friends and family? When we are grieving with someone, we should share that encouragement with them. If they and their loved one know Jesus as their Savior, then death is not the end. They will see them again!

This is God’s goodness to us, that there is no greater hope in life than a big family reunion for eternity!

Talk It Over

• How does knowing you will see fellow members of God’s family in heaven motivate you to share the Gospel?
• Who in your life needs to hear about God’s offer of an eternal home in heaven? What will you do about it?
• What kinds of things do you think you will want to talk about in heaven, once you’ve left the world behind?

Will you be part of the heavenly family reunion?

The Bible says you can only get to heaven by trusting in God through his Son, Jesus Christ. You cannot earn your way into heaven: “It is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV).

If you’re ready to commit your life to Jesus, start with this prayer:

“Dear God, you have promised that if I believe in your Son, Jesus Christ, everything I’ve ever done wrong will be forgiven, I will learn the purpose of my life, and you will accept me into your eternal home in heaven one day.

“I confess I have sinned, and I ask for your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus died to take away my sins and that you raised him to life. I want to trust Jesus as my Savior and follow him as Lord from this day forward. Guide my life and help me to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.”

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