-March 5, 2022-
“Then they all wept freely, and fell upon 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 20:37-38).
It is never easy to say goodbye. Even the word has a sad finality to it. Paul had spent three and a half years with the saints in Ephesus. He taught them the Word, lived as an example before them, and most of all loved them greatly. And did they ever love him! He addressed the elders and saints in Acts 20:17-35. The believers wept and kissed him. They were very sad, especially knowing that they would see his face again no more, at least on this side of heaven.
The comfort for us as believers in Christ is that we will see each other again in heaven, and be together with the Lord and with one another forever. It could be a friend moving far away; or it could be brother or sister in Christ who left the fellowship for another church; or for someone we love very much leaving this world to precede us to heaven. We take comfort in the confidence that if they are saved, it will never be “goodbye” but just “till we meet again.”
There is a sweet hymn written by Jeremiah E. Rankin, entitled, “God Be With You ‘Til We Again.” It says, “God be with you ‘til we meet again, By His counsels guide, uphold you, with His sheep securely fold you: God be with you ‘til we meet again. God be with you ‘till we meet again, ‘Neath His wings protecting hide you, daily manna still provide you: God be with you ‘til we meet again. God be with you ‘til we meet again, If life’s trials confound you, God will put His arms around you: God be with you ‘til we meet again. God be with you ‘til we meet again, keep love’s banner floating o’er you, smite death’s threatening wave before you: God be with you ‘til we meet again.
I have not met many of you face to face. There are saints in various cities, counties, and countries who read this blog. I am thankful for your continued signing in for these daily verses of the day. I really appreciate your feedback and appreciation. Even if we never meet on earth, we will see each other in heaven. What a joy that will be! Praise God that we will never have say goodbye! William Shakespeare said ‘Parting is such sweet sorrow; sweet for the good times, sorrow they may end, but resume in the Lord’s presence.
Have a blessed day cherishing those who love now on earth until the Lord takes us home to glory. Stay safe and healthy.
Under His Everlasting arms,
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 