This morning, I got to watch another spectacular sunrise on the beach in Kauai. Watching the clouds light up like fire, I was reminded of Jesus words in Mark 13:26-27, when he said, “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”
This text was especially meaningful to me because, yesterday, my cousin Benji’s family and friends gathered for his memorial service, celebrating his life which ended much to soon. Obviously, we couldn’t be there, but they were in our thoughts and prayers.
Benji was a wonderful person who loved life and brought much joy to his family and friends. He will be terribly missed. However, our grief is tempered by the knowledge this is not the end. Soon we “will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds…” On that day, “he will send his angels and gather his elect…from the ends of the earth…”
Never again will parents have to bury their children or children their parents, for “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Revelation 21:4. No more memorial services, no more graveside tears, no more loved ones left to carry on alone.
When Jesus comes again no longer will we look to the horizon each morning for the sun to rise. Instead, with Benji and others we have lost, we will be “caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17.
Until then, we will rejoice at each new sunrise and give thanks each time it sets, knowing we are one day closer to the day when the Son will rise with healing in His wings. (Malachi 4:2). On that day we will all go home, never more to part. May that day be soon!