“…since we were torn away from you brothers … in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face…” (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” (Revelation 22:3-4)
Recently our Arrive Ministries staff read these verses in our weekly devotions (now via Zoom). It struck me how much I relate to Paul’s desire to see our brothers and sisters in Christ “face to face.”
There are differences between Paul’s situation and ours. He was facing persecution, not a global pandemic. He did not have the technology we have (but I think he would agree it’s not the same as actually being together). Like Paul, I find myself wanting to be in person with people that I love. I am thankful for this time with my wife and son, but God made me for other relationships as well, to share community.
I am looking forward to the day when our stay at home orders end, when my parents come play with my son, when I gather with my church family, collaborate in person with my Arrive Ministries colleagues and visit my friends from refugee backgrounds.
Looking forward to these things, I realize there is someone else I greatly desire to see face to face. God is giving me an even greater desire for the new heavens and the new earth, where we who love Jesus will actually see Him face to face.
“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads” (Revelation 22:3-4).
Jesus, bring an end to COVID19, and come back soon!
