“After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” – Revelation 7:9-10

This week I am at a family reunion. I know many people dread these events, but for me it is quite the opposite. This is something I look forward to every year. My mother’s side of the family makes it a priority to come together every summer. The ages range from 2 years old to 88 years old and every decade in between. We come together from seven different states stretching from California to New Jersey. It is wonderful to see such a huge family that loves each other so much! But there is one problem this year; our church summer camp fell on the same week as our family reunion. So, my three oldest daughters are not at the reunion. And even with all the fun and all the family, something does not feel quite right. It is just not the same without my girls here.

Scripture tells us over and over again that when we are in Christ, we are part of one gigantic family (Ephesians 1:5; John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19 just to name a few). Scripture also teaches us, in Revelation 7:9, that there will one day be a huge family reunion! However, I have wonderful people in my life, who I have shared beautiful moments with and love very much, that will not yet be at that reunion. Even though I understand that on that day there will be no sadness and no tears, today my heart often breaks knowing that, unless they come to know Jesus as Savior, many people I love will not be there…and I can’t help but feel like it just wouldn’t be the same without them. So today I encourage you to look around and think of the people who are not yet part of the family; and then do whatever you need to do to make sure they will be at the reunion!

Heavenly Father, we could never express the unspeakable gratitude we have and incredible privilege we received when we became part of Your family through Jesus Christ. You gave Your one and only Son so that we might be there on that incredible day, praising You with every brother and sister from around the world and throughout all history. Give us that same love and passion to sacrifice in any way necessary to make sure those around us are also part of the family.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane CannonJuly 13, 2022

“After this I looked, and there was a vast multitude from every nation, tribe, people, and language, which no one could number, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes with palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: Salvation belongs to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb!” – Revelation 7:9-10

This week I am at a family reunion. I know many people dread these events, but for me it is quite the opposite. This is something I look forward to every year. My mother’s side of the family makes it a priority to come together every summer. The ages range from 2 years old to 88 years old and every decade in between. We come together from seven different states stretching from California to New Jersey. It is wonderful to see such a huge family that loves each other so much! But there is one problem this year; our church summer camp fell on the same week as our family reunion. So, my three oldest daughters are not at the reunion. And even with all the fun and all the family, something does not feel quite right. It is just not the same without my girls here.

Scripture tells us over and over again that when we are in Christ, we are part of one gigantic family (Ephesians 1:5; John 1:12; Ephesians 2:19 just to name a few). Scripture also teaches us, in Revelation 7:9, that there will one day be a huge family reunion! However, I have wonderful people in my life, who I have shared beautiful moments with and love very much, that will not yet be at that reunion. Even though I understand that on that day there will be no sadness and no tears, today my heart often breaks knowing that, unless they come to know Jesus as Savior, many people I love will not be there…and I can’t help but feel like it just wouldn’t be the same without them. So today I encourage you to look around and think of the people who are not yet part of the family; and then do whatever you need to do to make sure they will be at the reunion!

Heavenly Father, we could never express the unspeakable gratitude we have and incredible privilege we received when we became part of Your family through Jesus Christ. You gave Your one and only Son so that we might be there on that incredible day, praising You with every brother and sister from around the world and throughout all history. Give us that same love and passion to sacrifice in any way necessary to make sure those around us are also part of the family.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Shane Cannon