Surrounded by familiar faces, I sat in the church that had long been my sanctuary. Over the years, this sacred place doubled as my workplace – both for the adjoining school and the church itself. Six days a week, I was a constant fixture on its grounds, investing countless hours in prayer, preaching, and teaching, striving to serve God in every role He bestowed upon me.
Today, I found myself amidst my chosen family, those who’ve intertwined their lives with mine over the past thirty-three years. There were school buddies, learned professors, colleagues, and companions from various walks of life. The family seated behind me were among the first I met when I set foot in this town. Next to me sat a professor from my college days, and the family right ahead has intersected with my life journey in countless ways over the years.
As I sat there, taking in the familiar faces in the room and reflecting on the shared experiences we had encountered, an unexpected thought crossed my mind. It was an odd realization, one that held significance precisely because of its unexpected nature.
In that moment, my thoughts shifted towards the pain, challenges, and discord that I had witnessed within the church and the broader church community throughout my lifetime. The image of broken churches, wounded relationships, offended pastors, and individuals who had grown disheartened and chosen to walk away weighed heavy on my mind.
As I glanced around the room, a profound realization struck me. There was not a single person in the audience towards whom I held any resentment, anger, or frustration. No one with whom I felt at odds or with whom I had unresolved conflicts. It wasn’t that disagreements had never occurred or that we had always seen eye to eye. Humans naturally have differences. Yet, in that moment, I recognized that these individuals were my family, the ones who had become an intrinsic part of my life.
In that auditorium, surrounded by my fellow believers, a profound realization about the family of God began to stir within me. These individuals seated beside me were not just acquaintances or casual companions—they were my family. Bound together by our shared faith, they represented a diverse array of relationships: brothers and sisters, mentors, fathers, and mothers in the faith. We were all united in our journey, moving forward toward the ultimate destination of our eternal home, where we would gather once again, just as we did on that day.
In that home, however, there will be no death, mourning, or sadness.
To those who are reading this and have not made the decision to follow Christ, it’s important to acknowledge that our relationship, whatever its nature may be, will be limited to our earthly existence if you do not choose to follow Christ. It is common in today’s society for individuals to identify as Christians merely in name, but I intended to convey a specific distinction: if you are not following Christ. If you have not died with him on the cross, abandoned the old life of sin, and rose again to new life with him, focused on the eternity we will all enjoy together with him.
If you have not yet chosen to follow Christ, I encourage you to embrace Him wholeheartedly. Bow your heart before Him and accept Him as the Son of God, who laid down His life to free you from the bondage of sin. This act of surrender requires no specific prayer but a genuine willingness to submit your heart to Him. Experience the simplicity of belonging to Christ as your heart humbly falls at His feet. In the realm of eternity, our biological relationship or shared DNA will hold no significance. It is crucial to understand that if you do not choose to follow Christ, you and I will not be together in Heaven.
As I gathered with that community this morning, the majority of whom I believe are following Christ, I recognized them as my eternal family. We will forever be united, imperfect beings made perfect through Christ’s sacrificial love. We will dwell in His presence, boundless and eternal.
16 They will never be hungry again, or thirsty again. The sun will not scorch them, nor will any fierce heat. 17 The lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of running water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’ Revelation 7:16-17 NTFE
