Over the last couple of months, we, as a church, have had to say many farewells. We had farewells for Pedro and Victorina, who have been with NLC for 9 years, as well as Heather, who has been with us for 10 years, and then we said farewell to 3 of our students, Ezra, Eden, and Lurushka, who started college in the US.  And as is our custom, we say “See you later”, rather than “Goodbye”. This tradition was started before I joined New Life Church, and it’s something I hope we continue into the future.

The idea behind this is that we are not saying goodbye forever; rather, we are saying farewell until we see you again. Hopefully, we will see each other again on this earth in another geographical place, and if we don’t, we will see each other again in heaven.   

This summer, Keri and I got to enjoy ‘seeing again’ former members of NLC who had left Abu Dhabi to go back home to the US. The Rackleys had served at New Life Church for 6 years before they moved back to Bloomington in 2019. Hunter served with me as an elder and Heather served on the Communications team and with the Children’s ministry while we were still in the Zoo. It was good to see Graham and Griffin growing up physically as well as spiritually in their love for the Lord. We got to spend the night with this dear family on our way down to Louisville. Our time was spent laughing, sharing and reminiscing about our time together in the UAE. Even though so much time had passed since we had last seen each other, it was so easy to pick up from where we had left off. And even though there were a few more wrinkles on our faces and a few more grey hairs on our heads, the time we were away from each other seemed to evaporate as we joyfully gave thanks to the Lord for the bonds we have built in Christ.

I thanked the Lord for this “See You Later” on this side of eternity. But this got me thinking and reflecting on this privilege that we have as believers in Jesus Christ.

If we do not get the opportunity of seeing our brothers and sisters in Christ again on this earth, we will certainly get to see them again in heaven.

The Bible gives us some beautiful hints that we’ll recognize each other in heaven. In Jesus’ story about the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31), all three—Abraham, Lazarus, and the rich man—were clearly identifiable after death. And when Jesus was transfigured, His disciples saw Him talking with Moses and Elijah, who also recognized one another (Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–36). After His resurrection, Jesus was recognized by many, including His closest friends (John 20:16, 20; 21:12). Since we’re promised glorified bodies like His (1 John 3:2; 1 Corinthians 15:49, 53), it’s comforting to believe that we’ll know and be known by those we love—just as they recognized Him.

For believers, one of the sweetest joys of heaven will be reuniting with loved ones who shared our faith—family and friends who went ahead of us to be with the Lord. While that reunion will be deeply meaningful, our greatest joy will always be found in Jesus Himself. Heaven is centered on Christ and His redeeming love, and everything we experience there—worship, wonder, and fellowship—will be enriched by His presence. It’s comforting to think we’ll know and enjoy one another for eternity, but even more so to know we’ll do so in the company of our Saviour, who makes heaven truly glorious.

I thank the Lord for the privilege of being part of New Life Church and for all the bonds in Christ that we build together. I look forward to the day when we will all be able to reunite with our loved ones and worship our Lord and Saviour together in perfection, without sin and without weakness in His presence for all eternity!

But until that day comes, pray with me that while we are still together, we will not take for granted this privilege of building our bonds together in Christ. Pray with me that we will “not neglect to meet together”, regularly encouraging, edifying, and supporting each other, as we anticipate the return of Jesus.