“As I remember your tears, I long to see you,
that I may be filled with joy”
2 Timothy 1:4

Perhaps more than ever before, I think I can understand something of what Paul was feeling when he wrote these words to Timothy! To say that I have missed gathering in person with each of you to worship the Lord would be a huge understatement! I have truly been longing for this day! In the words of a popular song from my high school days we are “reunited and it feels so good!”

But then I have to remember that our reunion is not yet complete! There are many in our congregation who would like to be here with us today, but for one reason or another cannot! There are those who’s health makes them more vulnerable to the virus and so need to remain at home. There are others for whom the current restrictions make returning too difficult. They, too, are a vital but missing part of our church family. So we won’t really be reunited in full until we can all come together again! That’s what I truly long for!

But, of course, longing is good! You only long for that which you love and can’t yet have! That’s something every Christian can understand. Even though we’ve had the joy of meeting together week after week in better times, still we know we are not complete! For though our Lord Jesus truly is among us when we gather in His Spirit, still we long to see him to face! As Paul says in 1 Cor 13:12, “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

So let’s continue to long for the day when all restrictions are lifted and we can finally all meet in person to celebrate the Lord’s presence! But then even more, let’s continue to long for that Day – that wonderful, coming Day – when we will finally meet Him face to face! And so shall we ever be with the Lord!

Looking forward to that Day above all! With love to you all!
Pastor Scott