The subject of that Sunday’s sermon was the question the Sadducees brought Jesus, about how we will know each other in the resurrection (Matthew 22.23-33). I present the elders a sermon plan for the coming year in September, and so it was sheer coincidence that their question was the topic on Sunday. The Sadducees framed their question by telling a fantastic, slightly vulgar, intentionally silly story. But, as I said Sunday, it is the question I am most often asked – Will we know each other in heaven, and how will we know each other? I believe that we will know each other in heaven. There will be no need for name tags. I will “know even as I am known” (I Corinthians 13.12). Jesus makes clear however that the terms of our earthly relationships do not apply in heaven. How can it be otherwise? In God’s very presence, before His throne, what else matters but praising Him? But before we feel down hearted about this change let us remember the following:
Love Abides. The love we feel for each other here will last. Love is the greatest of the three eternal things (I Corinthians 13.13).
Nothing Will Mitigate Our Bliss. Revelation 21.8 makes it clear that there is no sadness, no pain, no crying in heaven. God will wipe every tear from our eyes.
Reunion IS the Comfort we are Offered. In I Thessalonians 4.13-18 Paul promises not only resurrection, but reunion. This reunion is permanent, and it is the comfort we share with each other.
There is nothing cold, or impersonal about heaven. We will know each other, love each other, and be blessed by eternal reunion. We will be occupied with praise, overwhelmed by the presence of God. There is no disappointment in that.
