Matthew – Fulfilled.

Most, large, family reunions occur these days because of the death of one of us. We remember, laugh, cry, and hug. We are quiet and we are loud. The kids run in and out, looking for things to do while the grownups talk and talk and talk. It is sad how some family reunions are torturous because of Uncle or Aunt so and so. Everyone else tries to avoid those who are not kind and loving but loud and arrogant, wanting the center of attention. Family. Reunions. Getting together is still important to carry on in this life. All personalities are welcome at the family reunion.

There is a reunion with some of the same loving characteristics of family reunions but this one had a distinct purpose and mission. Jesus, with the authority of God, the Father, commissions His followers to carry on the work He had only begun on this earth. It is a reunion with their beloved Jesus!

Matthew 28, The Message
16-17 Meanwhile, the eleven disciples were on their way to Galilee, headed for the mountain Jesus had set for their reunion. The moment they saw him they worshiped him. Some, though, held back, not sure about worship, about risking themselves totally.

18-20 Jesus, undeterred, went right ahead and gave his charge: “God authorized and commanded me to commission you: Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

Think about it…
–Jesus arranged the reunion with those He loved. Some readily accepted that love, ready to risk it all, and as soon as they saw Him, worshiped Him. Some held back….not sure.
–There will be another reunion with Jesus someday. What will be my response? Will I timidly hold back or run to meet Him, risking it all to worship Him? Am ready to risk it all for Him now?
–The Message of Jesus is to be more and more like Him in our own walk, tell others about Him, show others what you have learned along the journey. When the decision is made to follow Christ, we then show the world in baptism whose side we are on!
–We are to Preach it! Practice it! Preach it with our very lives. Use words if we have to, but love God, then love others by telling and showing who Jesus is and what He has done.
–Sometimes in “practice”, we mess up. Don’t give up! Jesus forgives us because of His mercy and gives us the grace to get up and try again.
–God’s mercy and grace are gifts of His continuous love for us.
–Jesus will be with us. Always. Forever. Until that great and last reunion when He comes again. And He will. He promised.

Dear Heavenly Father, You are God and we are not. There is no one like You. I saw You at work yesterday. If I am focused I know I will see You at work again today. Thank you for being with us always, day by day, hour by hour. We need you, oh, how we need you each day. Help us to live as if that reunion might be in a few hours…expectantly with great enthusiasm.
In Jesus Name, Amen.