032 Joseph: Goodbye to Goodbyes

After 20 years of separation, years of believing his son was dead, Jacob is finally reunited with his beloved son, Joseph. And what a reunion it was!  

But as beautiful as this reunion was, it pales in comparison to the reunion that awaits those who are in Christ. It foreshadows the day we will say goodbye to goodbyes and be forever with the Lord, reunited with our loved ones now waiting for us in heaven.

The promised reunion between God and His people is not just a passing topic in the Bible. It is mentioned in the New Testament over 300 times! Nearly every New Testament writer references the wonderful day when those who have embraced Jesus by faith will see Him face to face. 

Think about that!  As surely as Jacob saw the very face of Joseph, so you will see the very face of Jesus. He’ll touch your cheek.  He’ll wipe away your tears.  He’ll welcome you to your perfect, permanent new home.  And then you’ll see all those loved ones who got there before you.  Scripture tells us… 

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

I Thessalonians 4:18 (MSG)

What a day that will be! It will be a time when, once and for all, we say “Goodbye” to goodbye. 

Text: Genesis 37, 45-46

Originally recorded May 20, 2012, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN.