And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. Then they all wept freely, and fell on Paul's neck and kissed him, sorrowing most of all for the words which he spoke, that they would see his face no more. And they accompanied him to the ship. Acts 20:36-38
Paul told the elders of the Ephesian church that he wouldn’t see them again (v.25). They were, therefore, sorrowful at the thought of not seeing him again in this life. When visiting with a brother or sister in the Lord for whom death is imminent, as we part, we feel that same sadness knowing we will not see that person again in this life. But as we are sure of that person’s faith in Christ, we can receive comfort even in sorrow knowing that we will see him or her in Heaven.
As joyous as that thought is, let us be reminded that while we will be reunited with saved loved ones in Heaven, and though that will be fabulous, the main attraction in Heaven is God. We will finally at last see HIM! (1 Corinthians 13:12, Psalm 17:15, Revelation 22:4, 1 John 3:2). That is what makes Heaven Heaven!
The joy of seeing Him will outstrip every other delight, BUT… it will be a bonus delight to see saved loved ones! Since Jesus said we are not married in Heaven, Frannie and I will no longer be married, but we look forward to seeing the Lord—together in Heaven.
We will not, however, be reunited with those who are not born again in this life. That is all the more reason to pray for, and seek to point unsaved family and friends to the Lord. It will matter for eternity!
While looking forward to seeing those who have gone to Heaven ahead of us, what about those who are not there when we get there? Will that diminish our joy in Heaven? Next time…