We giggled over crushes, passed volumes of notes during study hall, and once we even braided our hair together! Silly—I know—but our friendship was famous in the halls of our high school. After graduation, we moved hundreds of miles apart. Eventually she got married; I stayed single. The letters and phone calls slowed until they stopped completely.
Any way you slice it, separation is hard. Mostly, I think it’s the wondering. What is she doing? Where is he now? Jesus knew the disciples would struggle with questions and heartache during His impending absence, so just before His crucifixion He comforted them with the hope of a reunion.
Jesus assured His followers that He wasn’t walking out on them when He said, “I am going to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2). He wanted them to see that there was a distinct purpose for the separation, and He even gave them the inside scoop on what He would be doing-customizing some eternal accommodations on their behalf!
It was also important for His disciples to view the time apart as temporary. Jesus vowed, “When everything is ready, I will come and get you” (v.3). He would be reunited with them when the time was right. As if that wasn’t enough to comfort even the biggest doubters in the crowd, Jesus assured them that the future meeting He was talking about would be the final reunion. He said, “You will always be with Me where I am” (v.3). We too can anticipate our final reunion with Jesus. His simple advice, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled” (v.1), assures us that eternity with Him will make up for all the time apart.
And speaking of splitsville, my best friend and I just recently reconnected. I hope we have had our final reunion as well.
More:
• 1 Thess. 4:15-18
• 2 Corinthians 5:8
• Philippians 1:23
Next:
What are you most looking forward to in your final reunion with Jesus? How does your eternal destiny affect the life choices you are making right now?
susanhutchinson on April 8, 2009 at 4:21 am
Thanks for this post. I, too, had a best friend in school and we were extremely close. We have drifted apart over the years but when we do talk on the phone, the years melt away and we are back in study hall, giggling and passing notes. One of the best parts of Heaven will be reuniting with old friends and never having to say goodbye!
jennifer benson schuldt on April 8, 2009 at 1:16 pm
I know what you mean…my friend and I talk on the phone every few weeks and when we do, it’s like no time has passed at all. We are similar places in life now, so it’s neat to see how God brought us back together after all those years. As you said, the years seem to melt away and we’ve been able to pick up where we left off.
Jmastro on April 8, 2009 at 6:16 am
I too had a best friend in high school only she was also my best childhood friend. I have been fotunate that even though we live a distance apart we have kept in touch over the years (although not as much as we should). I have daily pain but this post reminded me of how fortunate I am. I have friends and family that care. I also know that someday I am going home and will reunite with those that have gone before me. It also reminded me that my suffering is nothing compared to what Our Lord, Jesus Christ, suffered for us. It also had me read one of my favorite passages from the Bible, John 14:1-4, plus more. Thank you for sharing this. I needed the reminder today and this has helped.
jennifer benson schuldt on April 8, 2009 at 1:30 pm
I like the verse you referenced too. It helps us see a tiny glimpse of eternity and assures us that we can trust God for a future with Him…one that is free of the struggles we face in this life.
May God comfort you today and give you the strength to persevere.
abalderama on April 8, 2009 at 6:19 pm
It’s like Jesus is this friend that we’ve all met yet we haven’t ever physically seen. I can’t wait to sit on his lap and look into the kindest eyes I’ve ever seen. God Bless you All!