Face to Face

“I have much more to say to you, but I don’t want to do it with paper and ink. For I hope to visit you soon and talk with you face to face. Then our joy will be complete.” ‭‭2 John‬ ‭1:12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Often we find ourselves longing to see those whom we love face to face. Talking by Skype, FaceTime, Facebook, email, text message, or by phone just isn't the same as being in someone's presence. Being able to reach out and physically touch them, hug them, or even eat a meal with them brings a definite sense of relief and satisfaction. John didn't have any of the things mentioned above to communicate with the churches. All he had was "snail mail" and it was much slower than our modern "snail mail". Months, and even years, could pass between letters. Challenges that are so quickly addressed in our time were grueling in that era. There were no conference calls, webinars, airplane flights to get us there overnight, and no convenience or grocery stores to accommodate our desires. Getting to be there in person was a paramount concern. Boots on the ground brought stability to the church and assured the body of solid Christian teaching. Seeing the brothers and sisters in Christ was to fulfill his hearts longing. Today, just as then, we long to visit our family and to be able to go back home again. Just to embrace them and catch up on things is priceless. Time takes us old and leaves us longing for yesteryear. The fact of the matter is this - we cannot stop the clock and we cannot always be with someone. However, there is someone who can always be with us - Jesus!!! “Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”” ‭‭Matthew‬ ‭28:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬ One day, He will come again and we will see Him face to face. “No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and his servants will worship him. And they will see his face, and his name will be written on their foreheads. And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭22:3-5‬ ‭NLT